Changes in gastrointestinal, pancreatic, biliary, and hepatic function with aging

Abstract

The understanding of "normal" aging of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and hepatobiliary system is confounded by the difficulty in identifying healthy elderly subjects for study. There appear to be predictable changes in gastric secretion and emptying, intestinal and pancreatic morphology, colorectal motility, and hepatic mass and blood flow with aging. However, the functional significance of these changes is variable. Further investigations will be necessary to resolve currently conflicting data, and validation of animal models of aging will enhance future research into these areas.