Digestive Issues in Seniors and How to Minimize Their Effects
Home Care Assistance in Culpeper County VA
Our digestive systems are among the many bodily systems that change as we age. In fact, digestive problems, which can range from minor pain to more serious illnesses that affect quality of life, become a typical occurrence for many seniors. The good news is that home care assistance can help seniors maintain a healthy and active lifestyle by ensuring they understand common digestive issues and how to minimize their effects.
Common Digestive Problems in Seniors
One of the most prevalent digestive problems among seniors is constipation. The intestines’ and other digestive system muscles weaken and slow down with age, which might cause difficult or sporadic bowel motions. Further factors that might cause constipation include dehydration, inactivity, and some medications. Other common digestive issues include the following:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This condition, in which stomach acid frequently rushes back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and discomfort, is more common in older adults. This frequently results from a lower esophageal sphincter that is weakened, which makes it more difficult to stop acid from leaving the stomach.
- Diverticulitis & Diverticulosis: Diverticula, or tiny pouches that grow in the colon’s wall, are the cause of diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Diverticulitis develops when these pouches become inflamed or infected, causing pain and perhaps more severe problems, whereas diverticulosis is usually benign.
- Decreased Metabolism and Food Intolerance: As we age, our metabolism slows down, which can cause food to digest more slowly. Seniors may also have new dietary sensitivities or intolerances, especially to high-fat or dairy products (lactose intolerance), which can cause bloating, gas, and other discomforts.
- Diminished Stomach Acid Production: Another change that comes with aging is that the stomach produces less acid, which makes it harder to digest some foods, particularly proteins. Over time, this can result in malnutrition as vital nutrients like iron and vitamin B12 become more difficult to absorb.
How to Reduce Digestive Problems in Seniors
Although some digestive changes are a natural part of aging, with home care assistance, seniors can take steps to reduce the impact of these changes and maintain better digestive health. Some of the things to consider incorporating, along with talking to the medical team, include the following:
- Increase Fiber Intake: One of the best ways to treat constipation and improve the health of the digestive system is to eat a diet high in fiber. However, to prevent gas and bloating, seniors should be encouraged to gradually increase their fiber intake rather than making a swift change.
- Stay Hydrated: It’s important for seniors to drink plenty of water because dehydration can make constipation and other digestive problems worse. With home care assistance, even seniors who have difficulty drinking enough during the day can increase their water intake through soups and other water-based foods.
- Change Meal Structure: Heavy meals, particularly for seniors, can strain the digestive system. To counteract this, they should be encouraged to eat more often and in smaller portions, which facilitates better digestion and helps reduce bloating and acid reflux.
- Steer Clear of Trigger Foods: It’s important for seniors to steer clear of foods that exacerbate symptoms, especially if they already have digestive sensitivities or GERD. Common offenders include fatty or fried foods, coffee, alcohol, and spicy or fried foods.
Although digestive problems are a typical part of aging, seniors don’t have to simply learn to deal with them. With the support of their medical team and home care, they can learn to minimize their effects and increase their quality of life.
Sources:
https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/digestive-disorders/biology-of-the-digestive-system/effects-of-aging-on-the-digestive-system
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/stomach-trouble-5-steps-help-prevent-digestive-problems-as-you-age
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/features/digestive-health-aging
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care assistance in Culpeper County, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care. Serving Northern Virginia, The Valley, and Surrounding Communities – call us today at (703) 369-6677.
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