What is a common change in the skin of elderly individuals?

A common change in the skin of elderly individuals is decreased heat regulation. As people age, their skin loses some of its ability to regulate temperature effectively due to a reduction in sweat gland function and changes in the subcutaneous fat layer. This can make elderly individuals more susceptible to extreme temperatures, leading to a higher risk of heat-related illnesses in hot weather and increased sensitivity to cold.

The other options do not accurately reflect the typical changes seen in the skin of older adults. For example, increased elasticity in the skin is generally observed in younger individuals, as aging skin typically loses elasticity and firmness. More pigmentation may sometimes occur, but age spots or uneven pigmentation are more common rather than an overall increase in skin pigmentation. Thicker skin layers are also not a characteristic detail of aging skin; instead, the skin often becomes thinner with age, leading to increased fragility.