Digestive Health for Seniors – Elderly Digestive Problems and Tips

by | Sep 5, 2024 | Senior Home Care

As we grow older, our elderly digestive system often doesn’t work as efficiently as it once did when we were younger.

A wide range of senior digestive health issues become increasingly common among the elderly population. Being aware of these conditions and their remedies are important for maintaining proper digestive health for seniors and improve overall well being, as well as quality of life.

Some of the most frequent digestive problems affecting older adults:

  • Constipation – decreased muscle strength, inadequate fiber/fluid intake, and certain medications can leave seniors constipated. This may cause pain, bloating, and straining.
  • Diverticular Disease – pouches (diverticula) bulge out from weakened areas of the digestive tract, often triggering inflammation, bleeding, or infections.
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – a weakened esophageal sphincter allows stomach acid to back up, causing heartburn, nausea, and difficulty swallowing.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases – conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis involving chronic gut inflammation tend to worsen with age.
  • Malabsorption – as the elderly digestive system becomes less effective, crucial nutrients may not be properly absorbed from food.

Here’s how to improve digestion in elderly loved ones:

foods to improve senior digestive health by healing the gut.

  • Stay Hydrated – drink plenty of fluids daily to keep things moving smoothly through the digestive tract.
  • Eat More Fiber – choose high-fiber foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, and beans to prevent constipation.
  • Avoid Trigger Foods – keep a log of foods that seem to worsen elderly gut health issues such as acid reflux, gas, diarrhea etc. and avoid them.
  • Stay Active – regular light exercise and movement aids digestion and gut motility.
  • Consider Probiotics – probiotic supplements can help restore beneficial gut bacteria.
  • Discuss Medications – certain prescriptions and supplements may increase elderly digestive problems.

See your health expert if problems persist

If you experience severe, chronic, or worsening elderly digestive problems like bleeding, intense pain, or vomiting, make an appointment with your doctor promptly. Many digestive disorders are highly treatable when caught early. With some adjustments to diet, activity levels, and lifestyle, most elderly adults can get their troubling digestive issues under control.

Looking for help with digestive health for seniors you love at home? My Choice Home Care can provide 24-hour senior care services at home, day or night shift care, or hourly care for you or your loved ones. Our team is prepared to conduct an at-home consultation to work with you and your family to develop a care plan suited for each individual. Send us a message here or call (828) 200-9000 to speak to someone today if you or a loved one would like to enjoy the benefits of living independently in your own home.