Question

Ageing changes function of the human body. Discuss two changes in each section of the digestive tract and the associated implications on major function of the digestive system. Provide at least five examples with detail explanation.

Answer 1

All cells experience changes with aging. They become larger and are less able to divide and multiply. Among other changes, there is an increase in pigments and fatty substances inside the cell (lipids). Many cells lose their ability to function, or they begin to function abnormally.

As aging continues, waste products build up in tissue ( fatty brown pigment called lipofuscin )

Connective tissue changes, becoming more stiff. This makes the organs, blood vessels, and airways more rigid. Cell membranes change, so many tissues have more trouble getting oxygen and nutrients, and removing carbon dioxide and other wastes.

Many tissues lose mass. This process is called atrophy. Some tissues become lumpy (nodular) or more rigid.

The biggest changes in organ reserve occur in the heart, lungs, and kidneys.

No single process can explain all the changes of aging. Aging is a complex process that varies as to how it affects different people and even different organs. Most gerontologists feel that aging is due to the interaction of many lifelong influences including heredity, environment, culture, diet, exercise and leisure, past illnesses, and many other factors

Digestive Problems;

• Constipation. Symptoms include difficult or painful bowel movements, infrequent bowel movements, and hard, dry stool. There are a number of age-related factors that can cause constipation in older adults.
• Changes in the digestive system. Digestive system moves food through your body by a series of muscle contractions. As we age, this process sometimes slows down, and this can cause food to move more slowly through the colon. When things slow down, more water gets absorbed from food waste, which can cause constipation.
• Medication use. Eg; Narcotics
• Inactivity. People often become less active as they age, and being inactive can make you constipated. Bed rest during an illness can cause real problems.
• Not drinking enough fluids. Staying hydrated helps prevent constipation at any age. It can become more of an issue for older adults who take diuretics for high blood pressure or heart failure.
• Diverticular Disease. This occurs when small pouches in the lining of the colon bulge out along weak spots in the intestinal wall. While many people don't have any symptoms, gas, bloating, cramps, and constipation may occur.
• Ulcers &NSAIDs. Many older adults use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to control pain from arthritis and other types of chronic pain. Regular use of NSAIDs increases the risk for stomach bleeding and ulcers.
• Problems with the mouth and esophagus. The esophagus can slow down with age, moving food through more slowly. This can cause problems swallowing food or fluids. Dementia, stroke, and conditions such as Parkinson's disease can also cause difficulty swallowing.
• Polyps. After age 50, the risk increases for developing polyps, or small growths, in the colon. Polyps may be noncancerous, they may become cancer, or they may be cancer.
• GERD. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. Heartburn is more common as you get older