Final answer:
Dysphagia is the difficulty swallowing foods, which can lead to food avoidance, decreased food intake, and choking. It is caused by age-related changes in the digestive system and involves a complex process called deglutition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dysphagia is the difficulty swallowing foods, which can lead to food avoidance, decreased food intake, and choking. This can occur due to age-related changes in the digestive system, such as reduced sensitivity in taste buds, loss of teeth, gum diseases, and decreased saliva production. Swallowing involves a complex process called deglutition, which includes the voluntary phase, pharyngeal phase, and esophageal phase. Dysphagia can be caused by various factors, including neurological disorders, muscular problems, and structural abnormalities. This impairment can lead to challenges in swallowing and may contribute to food avoidance as eating becomes difficult and less enjoyable.