Age itself is not a risk factor for failure to heal. Wound healing may not be defective, just delayed. Problems with delayed wound healing in a person with advanced age may be more a problem with other comorbidities that affect some older patients.

Factors that delay healing

• Slower turnover rate in epidermal cells
  
• Poor oxygenation of the wound (due to increasingly fragile capillaries and a reduction in skin vascularization or comorbidities such as pulmonary or cardiac issues)
  
• Impaired function of the respiratory or immune system
  
• Reduced dermal and subcutaneous mass (leading to an increased risk of chronic pressure ulcers/injuries)
  
• Lack of tensile strength in healed wounds, making them prone to reinjure
  

Factors that complicate healing

• Poor nutrition and hydration
  
• Presence of a chronic condition
  
• Use of multiple medications, including anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressants
  
• Decreased mobility
  
• Incontinence
  
• Extrinsic factors: smoking, radiation, chemotherapy, steroids