Final answer:
Common findings in older adults regarding the gastrointestinal system include a decrease in appetite due to less sensitive taste buds, difficulties with eating stemming from dental issues, decreased motility which can cause constipation, and an increase in digestive disorders such as hiatal hernia, gastritis, and peptic ulcer disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
As the gastrointestinal system ages, various changes can compromise the digestive process and lead to various digestive disorders. One common finding among older adults is a decrease in appetite due to less sensitive taste buds, which makes food less appetizing. Additionally, dental problems can make eating difficult. Complications such as gum disease, tooth loss, and inadequate saliva production further challenge one’s ability to eat comfortably. The gastrointestinal tract's motility decreases, with ingested food moving more slowly through the alimentary canal. This reduced motility can contribute to constipation, a prevalent condition in older populations. The strength and tone of the muscular tissue in the GI tract are diminished, and neurosensory feedback that stimulates enzyme and hormone release is dampened. Furthermore, aging can lead to increased occurrences of pathologies like hiatal hernia, gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, diverticular disease, and conditions impacting the secretion of bile and pancreatic enzymes, such as gallstones and pancreatitis.