Effects of Aging on the Digestive System
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Michael Bartel
Effects of Aging on the Digestive System  and  Digestive Disorders - Learn about from the Merck Manuals - Medical Consumer Version.
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Merck Manual Consumer Version
With age, the strength of esophageal contractions and the tension in the upper esophageal sphincter decrease (called presbyesophagus), but the movement of food is not impaired by these changes. However, some older adults can be affected by diseases that interfere with esophageal contractions.

With age, the stomach lining's capacity to resist damage decreases, which in turn may increase the risk of peptic ulcer disease, especially in people who use aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Also with age, the stomach cannot accommodate as much food (because of decreased elasticity), and the rate at which the stomach empties food into the small intestine decreases. However, these changes typically do not cause any noticeable symptoms. Aging has little effect on the secretion of stomach juices such as acid and pepsin, but conditions that decrease acid secretion, such as atrophic gastritis, become more common. These conditions can result in subsequent problems such as vitamin B12 deficiency or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

Aging has only minor effects on the structure of the small intestinelactose intolerance). Excessive growth of certain bacteria (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) becomes more common with age and can lead to pain, bloating, and weight loss. Bacterial overgrowth may also lead to decreased absorption of certain nutrients, such as vitamin B12, iron, and calcium.

The large intestine does not undergo much change with age. The rectum does enlarge somewhat. Constipation becomes more common (see also Constipation: Essentials for Older People), which is caused by many factors:

A slight slowing in the movement of contents through the large intestine

A modest decrease in the contractions of the rectum when filled with stool

More frequent use of medications that can cause constipation

Often less exercise or physical activity

Pelvic floor weakness in older women

Pelvic floor weakness in older women can also contribute to fecal incontinence.