Final answer:
Age-related changes to the GI system that may contribute to the patient's health complaint include slower stomach emptying, thinning of the villi and epithelium in the small intestine, and decreased saliva production.
Step-by-step explanation:
One age-related change to the GI system that may contribute to the patient's health complaint is that stomach emptying takes place more slowly. This can result in food moving through the alimentary canal more slowly, leading to potential discomfort or digestive issues. For example, if the patient is experiencing bloating or indigestion, the slower stomach emptying may be a contributing factor.
Another age-related change is that the villi and epithelium of the small intestine become thinner. The villi are responsible for absorbing nutrients from digested food, and when they become thinner, the absorption process may be less efficient. This could lead to deficiencies in certain nutrients and potentially contribute to the patient's health complaint.
Lastly, saliva production decreases with age. Saliva plays a crucial role in the initial digestion of food and helps to lubricate and soften food for easier swallowing. The decrease in saliva production may make it more difficult to chew and swallow food properly, which could potentially lead to discomfort or difficulty in the patient's complaint.