Qualified Medication Aides (QMA) Practice Exam

Does aging cause diarrhea?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Only in certain conditions

4. It has no effect

The correct answer is: Yes

The idea that aging can cause diarrhea is linked to several physiological changes that occur in the gastrointestinal system as individuals age. As people grow older, there can be a decrease in the production of digestive enzymes, changes in the gut microbiome, and alterations in motility that affect how food and waste travel through the digestive system. Additionally, older adults may have a higher incidence of chronic health conditions or take medications that can disrupt normal bowel function, leading to symptoms like diarrhea. For example, certain medications used to treat conditions common in older populations, such as hypertension or chronic pain, may have gastrointestinal side effects, including diarrhea. Moreover, with age, there might be an increased risk of developing conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or gastrointestinal infections, both of which can lead to diarrhea. Therefore, while not all older adults will experience diarrhea as a direct result of aging itself, it is indeed a common issue due to the multifaceted changes in the body and health status associated with age.