Final answer:
The statement is true as older adults generally have an increased risk of mortality with similar severity of injury compared to younger individuals, largely due to age-related physiological changes and comorbidities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is True. As people age, their body's resilience and capacity to recover from injuries diminish. Data indicates that older adults show increased mortality rates with similar severity of injury compared to the younger population. For instance, head and traumatic brain injuries are primary causes of death and long-term disability across all ages, but the elderly are particularly susceptible due to factors such as diminished bone density and a higher likelihood of falls. Moreover, any skeletal system injuries in the elderly can be more detrimental, often due to the presence of pre-existing conditions and a lower ability to recover. The risk of infections and complications can also increase with age, affecting the mortality outcomes for similar injuries between older adults and their younger counterparts.