Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Test

Which statement is true regarding the effects of aging on the body?

1. Muscle mass tends to increase

2. Joints tend to be less flexible with age

3. Skin becomes more elastic as one ages

4. Bone density remains constant throughout life

The correct answer is: Joints tend to be less flexible with age

The statement that joints tend to be less flexible with age accurately reflects one of the common effects of aging on the body. As people age, the cartilage that cushions the joints can wear down, and the tendons and ligaments may lose some of their elasticity. This reduced flexibility often leads to stiffness and decreased range of motion in the joints, which can affect mobility and physical activity. In contrast, muscle mass typically decreases with age rather than increasing, which makes the first statement inaccurate. Additionally, skin loses elasticity and becomes thinner as one ages, rather than becoming more elastic, which contradicts the third statement. Regarding bone density, it generally decreases with age due to factors like hormonal changes and lifestyle, which makes the fourth statement incorrect as well. Thus, the choice regarding joint flexibility accurately captures a key aspect of how aging can impact physical health.