What common issue in older adults may be attributed to decreased peristalsis?

Constipation is a common issue in older adults that can be attributed to decreased peristalsis. Peristalsis refers to the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract. As individuals age, these contractions may slow down, leading to delayed movement of stool through the intestines. This slow transit time means that more water is absorbed from the stool, resulting in harder and drier feces that can be difficult to pass, ultimately causing constipation.

This condition is significant among the elderly because it can lead to discomfort, decreased quality of life, and complications such as bowel obstruction. In contrast, other concerns such as incontinence, dehydration, and diarrhea are generally not directly linked to decreased peristalsis in the same way. Incontinence is more related to issues with bladder control, dehydration typically results from insufficient fluid intake or loss, and diarrhea often occurs due to infections or malabsorption issues rather than a slowdown in bowel movement. Understanding how peristalsis affects bowel health is key when considering the care of older adults.