Which of the following is a physical change that occurs with aging?

Decreased skin elasticity is a significant physical change associated with aging. As individuals grow older, the skin undergoes various changes, primarily due to a reduction in collagen and elastin production, which are essential proteins that provide structure and elasticity to the skin. This results in the skin becoming thinner, less flexible, and more prone to sagging and wrinkling.

Understanding skin elasticity is vital in patient care, as it can affect how wounds heal, the skin's ability to retain moisture, and the overall appearance and health of an elder's skin. Awareness of these changes can help nursing assistants provide better skincare and recommend appropriate products to maintain skin integrity.

The other choices reflect changes that typically do not occur with aging. For example, lung elasticity generally decreases with age, while sensory perception often diminishes rather than enhances. Circulation can also be compromised as arteries and veins can thicken and stiffen, resulting in decreased blood flow. This context supports the accuracy of decreased skin elasticity as a key physical change during the aging process.