The nervous system aging process is characterized by:

The aging process of the nervous system is typically associated with mild forgetfulness and a slower response time. As people age, it is common to experience some cognitive decline, which may manifest as occasional difficulty recalling names, misplacing items, or slower processing of information. This mild forgetfulness is generally not severe and does not significantly impair daily functioning.

Additionally, the nervous system may exhibit slower reflexes and longer response times due to changes in neural pathways and the overall reduction in the speed at which nerve signals travel. These changes are a normal part of aging and differ significantly from more serious conditions such as dementia, which would present with more severe memory loss.

The other options do not accurately reflect common characteristics of nervous system aging. Severe joint stiffness and deterioration relate more to musculoskeletal changes rather than the nervous system itself, while excessive thirst and hunger are not typically linked to aging of the nervous system.