How Aging Affects Digestive Health in the Senior Years

Seniors aged 60 and above are susceptible to digestion problems such as constipation, irregular eating patterns, and stomach related disorders. According to many experienced gastroenterologists, not every elder person is prone to digestive problems. However, aging can increase a senior’s risk of digestive disorders. Anchorage home care experts have discussed a few issues aging adults may face with digestion.

Weight Gain

Weight gain is an alarming sign of intestinal problems. Low metabolism can directly affect your loved one’s weight. Seniors may face a hard time losing weight due to various digestion problems. Increasing weight also causes risk of heart problems as fat starts to deposit around your loved one’s chest.

Bloating and Acid Reflux

Aging adults may have different reactions when eating different foods, leading to stomach problems. Bloating and acid refluxes can become common in seniors with digestive issues. Hence, it is important for you to keep your loved one away from consuming spicy or sugary foods.

Irregular Bowel Movements

Many elderly people are accustomed to some type of disease, which requires daily drug intake. These medicines can sometimes upset your bowel movements, sleeping patterns, and diet. There are some antibiotics that cause digestive problems. Aspirin and other anti-depressants can also take a dreadful toll on your loved one’s digestion.

Lethargy

Lethargic seniors are more susceptible to digestive disorders than active ones. The electric conductivity in legs may decrease to 3% when sitting doing nothing. Elder people often spend most of their day sitting, which causes hindrance in digesting food. There is a direct relationship between metabolism and physical activity. Excessive eating, along with lack of exercise, can lead to indigestion in seniors.

Diverticulosis

More than 50% of elders go through diverticulosis at some point in their lives. It starts by making small pouches in the stomach, which eventually become larger. It causes intense pain in the gut, digestive numbness, constipation, and in some cases bleeding. Seniors can avoid this condition by healthy eating, exercising, and consulting their doctors regularly.

Slow Metabolism

Slow metabolism is common among seniors. As a result, they tend to gain weight without eating much and their stool becomes dry, which forces them to use laxatives. One of the reasons for low metabolism is dehydration, which prevents detoxification in body and can lead to constipation. Add vegetables and fruits to your loved one’s daily diet for regular bowel movements. For better metabolism, seniors should avoid drinking water while eating.

Multiple Digestion-Related Issues

If your loved one has diabetes or thyroid issues, there is a high chance that his or her stomach may get upset off and on. Your loved one can gain weight quickly, have diarrhea, or experience irregular bowel movements. Most of the digestive disorders in seniors are easily treatable. By managing diet, regular exercise, and increasing water intake, seniors can keep indigestion at bay. For chronic constipation and other long-term digestive disorders, however, it is best to consult your loved one’s doctor.