True or False: Metabolism tends to increase as people age.

As individuals age, their metabolism typically tends to decrease rather than increase. This decline in metabolic rate is attributed to several factors, including a decrease in muscle mass, hormonal changes, and reduced physical activity levels. Muscle tissue burns more calories at rest compared to fat tissue, so as muscle mass declines, the overall basal metabolic rate (BMR) drops. Additionally, metabolic processes can slow down due to age-related changes in cellular function and energy production pathways. Therefore, the statement that metabolism tends to increase as people age is false.