PADI Divemaster Certification Practice Exam

Which statement best describes the effects of age and DCS risk in divers?

1. Older divers are less likely to experience DCS

2. Age has no effect on DCS risk

3. Older divers are more predisposed to DCS

4. Younger divers are more at risk

The correct answer is: Older divers are more predisposed to DCS

Older divers are more predisposed to decompression sickness (DCS) due to several physiological changes that occur with aging. As people age, their bodies typically experience decreased circulation, reduced pulmonary function, and changes in the structure of tissues. These factors can affect how nitrogen is absorbed and released from the body during and after a dive. Furthermore, older divers may have pre-existing health conditions or take medications that can influence their diving safety. For example, cardiovascular diseases, which are more common in older individuals, can impact how the body handles gas exchange and increases the risk of DCS. The cumulative effects of these changes make older divers more susceptible to DCS compared to their younger counterparts, who generally have healthier physiological profiles and more efficient gas exchange capabilities. Understanding this relationship is vital for safe diving practices and emphasizes the need for older divers to be more cautious and perhaps even modify their diving activities and profiles to mitigate risks.