Which outcome is most likely to occur as a result of age-related functional changes in the gastrointestinal tract?

• A. Increased anorectal tone
• B. Enhanced immunoglobulin A responsiveness
• C. Increased calcium absorption
• D. Decreased gastric emptying

Answer: (D)

Age-related changes in the GI tract include a decline in motility and coordinated muscular activity, especially in the stomach. The stomach’s antral propulsion and overall muscular coordination become less efficient with age, so solids (and sometimes liquids) spend more time in the stomach before entering the small intestine. This leads to slower gastric emptying, making it the most likely outcome as people age. By comparison, anorectal tone often decreases rather than increases, IgA responsiveness tends to decline with aging, and calcium absorption typically decreases rather than increases.