Effects of Aging on the GI System

Introduction

• Importance of focusing on learning actively.
• Emphasizing the role of a nurse in patient care beyond classroom exams.
• Encouragement to reflect on prior experiences and knowledge gaps.

Learning Objectives

• Understand how aging impacts the GI system.
• Assess individual patient needs and concerns.

Key Impacts of Aging on GI System

Common Changes

• Decrease in System Movement

  • Less movement and hydration.
  • Influenced by physical activity, fluid intake, medication, and mobility.

• Loss of Muscle Mass

  • Affects nutrient and medication absorption.
  • Changes in fat to muscle tissue ratio.

• Strength Loss

  • Impacts chewing, swallowing, and food preparation.

• Dentition and Xerostomia

  • Loss of teeth and dry mouth affect diet quality.

• Weaker Muscles

  • Affect gag reflex and sphincters.
  • Risks: choking, reflux, bowel incontinence.

• Decrease in Acids, Enzymes, and Mucus

  • Impacts digestion and nutrient transit.

• Taste and Smell Changes

  • Loss of appetite and enjoyment in eating.

Patient-Specific Considerations

Comorbidities

• Impact nutritional intake, digestion, absorption, etc.

Polypharmacy

• Common in older adults.

• Potential for drug interactions and overmedication.

• Changes in liver metabolism affect drug availability.

• Pill Absorption Issues

  • Some medications may pass unchanged if coding doesn't dissolve.
  • Notify provider if whole pills are seen in stool.

Social Interactions

• Lack of social eating impacts diet.
  • Less desire to eat or reliance on convenience foods.

Nursing Interventions

Safety and Patient Care

• Consider slower, drier systems in older adults.
• Monitor absorption and distribution of medications.
• Be aware of comorbidity interactions and polypharmacy issues.

Advocacy

• Consider de-prescribing if beneficial.
  • Advocate for patient-specific medication adjustments.

Review and Reflect

• Review content and notes.
• Test knowledge to ensure understanding of learning objectives.
• Be prepared to care for older adults with age-related GI changes.