Which of the following is the least common symptom in the elderly?

Osteomalacia is indeed the least common symptom in the elderly compared to the other options provided. This condition, which involves the softening of bones due to vitamin D deficiency, is less frequently diagnosed in older adults compared to osteoporosis, which is a significant concern as it leads to a decrease in bone density and increases the risk of fractures.

Obesity is increasingly prevalent among the elderly, often influenced by factors such as lifestyle changes and metabolic shifts. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is also very common in older adults due to various health factors, including changes in blood vessel elasticity and overall vascular health.

Given that osteoporosis is a major public health challenge for older individuals, as well as the rising rates of obesity and hypertension, osteomalacia is recognized as less frequently observed in this population. This contextual understanding of why osteomalacia is less common emphasizes the importance of recognizing various conditions that impact the elderly, particularly those that significantly affect their quality of life.