Which of the following is a common characteristic of older individuals regarding their skin?

Thinner skin layers is a common characteristic of older individuals due to the natural aging process. As people age, their skin undergoes various changes including a reduction in the thickness of the epidermis and dermis. This change can lead to increased fragility and vulnerability to injury, as well as a higher risk for bruising and skin tears. With age, the production of collagen and elastin decreases, which contributes to the thinning of the skin and a decline in its structural integrity.

In addition to this, reduced oil production typically occurs in older adults, leading to drier skin. Many older individuals also experience a decrease in the number of melanocytes, which can result in less pigmentation and an uneven skin tone. Thus, thinner skin layers accurately reflects a significant and widely observed change in the skin of older individuals.