Final answer:
The leading cause of injury to the elderly is falls, often leading to osteoporotic fractures with severe complications. Elder mistreatment risk increases with bereavement, and caregivers commonly perpetrate abuse. In high-income nations, cancer and obesity are major causes of death, whereas in low-income countries, skeletal disorders and infections predominate among children under five.
Step-by-step explanation:
The leading cause of injury to the elderly is falls. Falls are responsible for a significant number of injuries among older adults, due to factors like poor eyesight, balance problems, and obstacles in the living environment. In the context of osteoporosis, falls can lead to osteoporotic fractures, which are particularly dangerous because they can cause debilitating pain, disability, and even early mortality due to complications like deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and pneumonia.
In terms of elder abuse, the most significant increase in the risk of mistreatment occurs with bereavement due to widowhood. When elderly people suffer abuse, it is most often perpetrated by caregivers. Additionally, many deaths in high-income nations are linked to cancer and obesity, while in low-income countries, the most frequent cause of death for children under five is related to disorders of the skeletal system and infections.