Which statement describes an age-related change in gastrointestinal motility?

• A. Delayed gastric emptying
• B. Increased gastric emptying
• C. No change
• D. Increased peristalsis

Answer: (A)

With aging, GI motility tends to slow, especially in the stomach. This means gastric emptying of solids is often delayed in older adults, due to factors like reduced smooth muscle contractility, diminished vagal stimulation, and age-related changes in the enteric nervous system. The result is longer residence time of food in the stomach, which can contribute to earlier fullness and potential nutritional challenges. Other possibilities—faster emptying, no change, or increased peristalsis—do not fit the typical aging pattern, which is generally a slowing of gastric transit.