The Effects of Aging on the Digestive System

Due to its significant reserve capacity, the gastrointestinal system is more resilient to the effects of aging than other organ systems in the body. Typical gastrointestinal system changes include a slowing or halting of functions and an increased risk of digestive tract infections.

The gastrointestinal system, which extends from the mouth to the anus, is made up of the throat, esophagus, stomach, and intestines. It is in charge of nutrient absorption from food into the bloodstream, waste elimination from the body, and nutrient conversion from food into nutrients. It remains constant until 65, when age-related changes begin to affect it. 

Constipation

As you get older, constipation becomes a digestive issue. Ira Hanan, MD, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Chicago Medical Center, claims that patients’ bowel habits may change more frequently as they get older, particularly as constipation increases.

Symptoms of constipation include unpleasant or challenging bowel movements as well as stiff, dry stool. Older persons who are constipated may have a number of aging-related diseases. 

Changes to the gastrointestinal system

The digestive system moves food through your body by creating a series of muscle contractions. According to Hanan, these spasms press food along your digestive track in a way that is comparable to squeezing a toothpaste tube. As we get older, food may go through the colon more slowly because this process might slow down. When things move more slowly, more water is absorbed from food waste, which might cause constipation.

Taking medication

According to Ellen Stein, MD, an assistant professor of medicine at Baltimore’s Johns Hopkins Hospital, older individuals consume a lot of medication. Additionally, as we grow older, we experience more medical conditions that necessitate medicine. Several well-known medicines have the potential to cause constipation. Calcium channel blockers, which are used to treat high blood pressure, are one example. According to Stein, this medication is “very beneficial for blood pressure” but “highly constipating.” Narcotic painkiller usage is another common problem. Elderly seniors who require knee or hip replacement surgery to relieve their pain are routinely prescribed narcotics. Stein asserts that “narcotics have direct effects on the gut.” They actually slow down the digestive process.

Inactivity

As people age, they tend to become less active, and this can lead to constipation, claims Stein. During illness, bed rest can occasionally provide challenges. For instance, it takes time to recover from joint replacement surgery and resume normal exercise. Narcotic medications “may turn moderate constipation into something that’s considerably more of a problem,” according to Stein.

Not drinking enough liquids

Getting adequate water can help people of any age avoid constipation. It can get worse for elderly patients using diuretics for high blood pressure or heart failure. Diuretics cause you to urinate more regularly and lose more fluid than usual, which lowers blood pressure. To avoid needing to visit the bathroom frequently throughout the day, some people may try to reduce their fluid intake. By drinking less water and urinating more frequently, you can get dehydrated.

Differential Disease Diverticulosis

This occurs as a result of microscopic pouches at weak spots in the intestinal wall sticking out from the lining of the colon. Although possible symptoms include gas, bloating, cramps, and constipation, many people do not experience any symptoms. As we become older, we become more prone to developing these pockets. Although they usually don’t cause problems and don’t require treatment, they can leave scars and cause irregularities. Diverticulitis, which is brought on by inflamed pockets, can result in cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and stomach pain. Antibiotics, a liquid diet, and painkillers are used to treat diverticulitis.

NSAIDs and ulcers

Older adults regularly use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to address chronic pain brought on by disorders like arthritis and other diseases. With frequent NSAID use, stomach bleeding and ulcers are more prevalent. Even though aging alone does not make your stomach more prone to ulcers, persistent NSAID use does increase your risk.  Although elderly people may occasionally endure painless gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, they normally do not feel pain from ulcers. If you vomit blood, have dark stools, or bleed while wiping, call your doctor right away.

Issues with the esophagus and mouth

The esophagus is a tube that connects our mouth to our stomach. The esophagus can slow down as we age and pass food more slowly, just like the colon can. It could be challenging to swallow food or drinks as a result. Other conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke can also make swallowing challenging.

Polyps

After age 50, there is a higher chance of developing colon polyps, which are small growths. Polyps may start out benign, becoming cancerous, or are already malignant. We don’t know what causes polyps, says Hanan. A mix of genes, something in our nutrition, or something we don’t get enough of has been theorized as the cause. He says it probably has an accumulation of effects over time.

You might not be aware that you have polyps because they normally don’t cause any symptoms. Hanan advises that screening colonoscopies be performed on all people over the age of 50. With this procedure, polyps can be removed before they become malignant. If a person has additional risk factors, such as a family history of colon cancer, they might need to be examined sooner.

GERD

The most prevalent upper GI problem in elderly adults is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), despite the fact that it can affect persons of all ages. Stomach acid that backs up into the esophagus causes heartburn and other GERD symptoms. Stein claims that although heartburn is typically brought on by outside factors, it gets more common as you age. Eating the incorrect foods, such as fried or late-night fast food, can also cause reflux. Several pharmaceuticals, including several blood pressure meds that might cause heartburn, are frequently used by elderly individuals. Your risk of developing GERD and heartburn as you age increases with weight gain, which could exacerbate your reflux.

How to protect the digestive system

When it comes to maintaining a healthy digestive system, prevention is always preferable to treatment in the same way that it is with any other health issue

1. Check your medications

Stein and Hanan both suggest using drugs responsibly. Consult your primary care physician to determine whether the medications you are taking could be the source of any gastrointestinal issues. If you take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain, you should always take these pills with meals and work with your doctor to find the lowest dose that will work for you. To be sure you are only taking the prescriptions prescribed to treat your condition, check with your doctor.

2. Keep yourself busy

Maintaining a regular exercise programme of at least thirty minutes, five days per week, can help prevent many age-related health problems. Additionally, it will promote regular bowel motions and reduce your risk of developing colon cancer.

3. Eat more fibre-rich foods

Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are examples of foods high in fibre. These foods also frequently have high nutrient density and low-fat content. High-fiber diets can aid in reducing diverticulitis symptoms and preventing constipation.

4. Be sure to take in lots of fluids

Keep oneself adequately hydrated all day long. Make sure you’re drinking enough to keep you from getting thirsty. It’s crucial to talk with your doctor about the best ways to take your medication if you use diuretics so that you don’t become dehydrated.

5. Take control of your weight

Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent a number of age-related health issues, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for overall wellbeing. You can lessen the number of pills you need to take by avoiding health issues, which means you won’t have to worry as much about your digestive system being negatively impacted. If you eat whole foods, limit fat, and choose acceptable portion sizes, you’ll find it easier to maintain a healthy weight.

6. Make sure you get checkups on a regular basis

Make sure to tell your primary care doctor about any symptoms that worry you and ask for regular checkups.

Want to learn more?

 ConsidraCare’s live-in caregivers are trained to offer professional support and companionship to seniors. reach out to us at wecare@considracare.com or call us at 1-855-410-7971 to arrange care for a loved one.