Final answer:
Body fat storage shifts from subcutaneous stores to visceral sites as we age, with more fat accumulating in the abdominal area. This shift increases the risk of health problems like cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most characteristic statement of body fat changes associated with aging is that body fat storage shifts from subcutaneous stores to visceral sites.
As we age, we tend to accumulate more fat in the abdominal area, which is considered visceral fat. This shift in fat distribution can increase the risk of various health problems such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. One example of this is the increase in abdominal fat in men as they age. This is often referred to as the "beer belly" or "pot belly." Women, on the other hand tend to accumulate more fat in the hips and thighs. Overall, the shift from subcutaneous to visceral fat is a common characteristic of body fat changes associated with aging.