ABSTRACT
Physiologic changes in the gastrointestinal (GI) function do occur with aging. These aging-related changes, as those that occur in other body systems, have a significant impact on human longevity and well-being in old individuals; hence the commitment of the Future Trends Committee of the American Gastrological Association to strengthen education, research, and medical practice on aging-related GI issues to better serve the growing population of the elderly (1). The current description of GI changes with aging focuses on cellular and molecular mechanisms, leading to functional alterations in secretory activity and motility of the major GI structures (2-5). In the absence of localized disease, function is usually maintained in line with requirements (6,7). Disorders and diseases, however, becomemore commonwith advancing age and involve all levels of the GI tract, starting with the mouth and extending to the rectum, anus, and pelvic floor musculature (Fig. 1) (8-11). In geriatric clinics, about 20% of all patients have significant GI symptoms and morbidity from GI diseases such as cancer of the colon, second only in incidence and mortality to lung cancer (12,13).
