Final answer:
The statement is False. The elderly are not less likely than younger people to have healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is False. The elderly are not less likely than younger people to have healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). According to the information provided, the elderly population has a higher prevalence of chronic diseases, functional impairments, and disabilities, which can increase their susceptibility to HAIs.
Furthermore, the lack of early challenges to the immune system in developed nations may result in failures in immune system functioning later in life, making the elderly more susceptible to infectious diseases.
Lastly, due to gaps in care and financial burdens, the elderly may have challenges in accessing professional healthcare, which can contribute to a higher risk of healthcare-associated infections.