Final answer:
Aunt Judith and her friends, being over 60, likely share the characteristic of declining physical health as a common aspect of senescence. This can include reduced stamina and strength, slower reflexes, and a higher susceptibility to illnesses. Cognitive changes also occur with aging, but individual experiences can vary widely. So the correct answer is option (B).
Step-by-step explanation:
Senescence, or the natural aging process, encompasses a range of physical and cognitive changes. Aunt Judith and her friends, who are all at least 60 years of age, share common characteristics of senescence. While individuals may experience senescence differently, commonly observed changes include a decline in stamina, strength, reflex times, and the senses. Additionally, there's an increased vulnerability to chronic health conditions due to a less efficient immune system, as well as a decrease in the number of brain cells, which can affect cognitive function.
Given these general trends in aging, all individuals in the group, including Aunt Judith, would likely share declining physical health as a characteristic of senescence. Declining physical health might manifest as lessened mobility, reduced muscle mass, or a diminished capacity to fight diseases like the flu or more serious conditions such as cancer or pneumonia.
However, it's important to note that cognitive abilities and the ability to form new memories may also decline, albeit at variable rates among individuals. Conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, which can lead to significant cognitive impairments, become more common with age. The term senescence refers to the broader scope of changes that occur during aging that impact biological, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual well-being.