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[The most frequent digestive disorders in the elderly]
Raúl Juárez Vela1, Enrique Ramón Arbués, Blanca Martínez Abadía
1Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad San Jorge, Zaragoza.
Revista De Enfermeria (Barcelona, Spain)
|July 3, 2013
Summary
Aging causes physiological changes, leading to common digestive issues like constipation and dyspepsia in the elderly. Nursing care focuses on health education and diet to improve elders
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Gastroenterology
Context:
- Aging is a natural, irreversible process characterized by physiological changes.
- Elderly individuals often present with multiple health conditions (multipathological) and polypharmacy (polimedicated).
- Digestive disorders, including indigestion, are prevalent in approximately 40% of the global population.
Purpose:
- To highlight the common gastrointestinal disorders in the elderly population.
- To emphasize the significant prevalence of constipation, dysphagia, and dyspepsia among elders.
- To underscore the crucial role of nursing professionals in patient assessment and health education.
Summary:
- Constipation, dysphagia, and dyspepsia affect 25%, 30%, and 25% of the elderly, respectively.
- Nursing interventions should focus on hygiene and dietary education to reduce medication reliance.
- Family involvement is essential for effective management of these digestive disorders.
Impact:
- Improved quality of life for elderly individuals through reduced drug intake.
- Empowerment of nursing professionals in managing geriatric digestive health.
- Enhanced understanding of the multifactorial approach needed for elder care, involving healthcare providers and family.
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