Which of the following describes the effect of aging on blood pressure?

The correct choice identifies that aging often leads to increased peripheral resistance. This is significant because, as individuals age, there are several physiological changes that occur in the cardiovascular system. These changes include arterial stiffness, loss of elasticity in the blood vessels, and an increase in arterial wall thickness, all of which contribute to increased peripheral resistance. Consequently, this increase in resistance means that the heart must exert more force to pump blood through the circulatory system, often resulting in elevated blood pressure levels.

Understanding the normal physiological changes due to aging helps in recognizing the importance of monitoring blood pressure in older adults, as high blood pressure is a common risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. It's crucial for health professionals to be aware of these changes in order to provide appropriate recommendations and interventions for managing blood pressure in aging populations.