Which population is at greatest risk for impaired tissue integrity?

Older adults are at the greatest risk for impaired tissue integrity due to several interconnected factors. As individuals age, their skin undergoes significant physiological changes, leading to a decrease in collagen production, loss of elasticity, and thinning of the epidermis. These changes make the skin more susceptible to injury, including cuts, abrasions, and pressure ulcers.

Additionally, older adults often have comorbidities such as diabetes and vascular diseases, which can further compromise blood flow and healing processes, increasing the risk of tissue damage. Furthermore, this population may experience reduced mobility, leading to prolonged pressure on certain body areas, thus heightening the risk of pressure ulcers and other forms of impaired tissue integrity.

While other age groups, such as young adults or teenagers, can also face risks related to tissue integrity due to factors like accidents or certain health issues, they do not have the same cumulative risk factors associated with aging that older adults experience. Therefore, the combination of physiological changes, comorbid conditions, and potential for reduced mobility makes older adults particularly vulnerable to impaired tissue integrity.