Introduction

Geriatric Essentials

• Clinically significant abnormalities in gastrointestinal function should be evaluated and not attributed to aging.
• Taste sensation and saliva production decrease to some degree with aging.
• Aging diminishes the capacity of the gastric mucosa to resist damage.
• Aging modestly slows gastric emptying.
• Calcium absorption diminishes with aging; therefore, the dietary calcium requirement is higher.
• The incidence of diverticulosis increases with aging.
• Hepatic blood flow decreases with aging, accounting for some of the decrease in hepatic drug elimination that occurs in the elderly.

Aging has relatively little effect on gastrointestinal (GI) function because of the large functional reserve capacity of most of the GI tract. However, aging is associated with an increased prevalence of several GI disorders, including those induced by drugs (eg, esophagitis caused by NSAIDs or bisphosphonates). Therefore, clinically significant abnormalities in GI function, including reduction in food intake, should be evaluated and not attributed to aging. The presentation of some GI disorders may be atypical in the elderly, possibly reflecting a reduction in visceral perception. Gut immune function declines with aging; the clinical significance of this is uncertain.

This topic was last updated May 2005.