Final answer:
The elderly are more prone to skin infections due to a combination of factors: slower tissue repair, a thinner epidermis, and fewer immune-active dendritic cells. All listed responses are correct, and they collectively contribute to the higher susceptibility of older adults to developing skin infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reason why the elderly are more prone to skin infections is multifactorial. As the skin ages, several changes occur that contribute to an increased susceptibility to infections. To address the student's question, options A), B), and C) are all correct.
- Tissue repairs take longer in the elderly because of reduced metabolic activity and decreased blood circulation, which slows down the healing process.
- With age, the epidermis becomes thinner due to a decrease in cell division, particularly in the stratum basale. This thinning of the skin's outer layer diminishes its barrier function, leading to an increased risk of infection.
- Furthermore, there are fewer dendritic cells in aged skin, which leads to a reduction in the skin's immune responses since dendritic cells are crucial for initiating immune responses against pathogens.
Therefore, the correct response is D) All of the listed responses are correct. Considering these factors, it is evident that age-related changes to the integumentary system indeed make the elderly more susceptible to skin infections.