Final answer:
The primary cause of preventable death in older adults is chronic noninfectious diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer, which are mostly linked to lifestyle choices. Smoking is the most significant cause of respiratory disease and cardiovascular disease, as well as a leading cause of cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary cause of preventable death in older adults is chronic noninfectious diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. While these diseases can have some genetic components, they are mostly linked to lifestyle choices. For example, smoking is the most significant cause of respiratory disease and cardiovascular disease, as well as a leading cause of cancer. Regular smokers die about 10 years earlier than nonsmokers. Other risk factors for these diseases include obesity, high blood cholesterol, and lack of exercise.
Keywords: chronic noninfectious diseases, lifestyle choices, smoking, respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, high blood cholesterol, lack of exercise