As part of the aging process, which system sees reduced performance in the areas of oxygen supply and circulation?

The cardiovascular system is responsible for supplying oxygen and nutrients to the body while also facilitating the removal of waste products. As individuals age, various changes occur in the cardiovascular system that can lead to reduced performance in these functions. These changes may include stiffening of the blood vessels, decreased elasticity of the heart, and a decrease in the overall efficiency of the heart to pump blood effectively. This can result in diminished oxygen delivery to tissues and organs, impacting overall health and physical capability.

In contrast, while the other systems listed—digestive, respiratory, and lymphatic—do experience changes with age, they do not primarily focus on the combined function of oxygen supply and circulation in the same way the cardiovascular system does. The respiratory system handles gas exchange but does not regulate circulation, the digestive system is mainly concerned with nutrient absorption, and the lymphatic system plays a role in fluid balance and immune response rather than direct oxygen transport. Therefore, the cardiovascular system is most closely associated with changes in oxygen supply and circulation during the aging process.