Less Blood Flow
As you age, your blood vessels tend to lose tone and elasticity due to decreased blood supply. This can cause problems with digestion because it can make it more difficult for nutrients to move from the digestive tract into the bloodstream. This decrease in blood flow can also cause a reduction of lymphatic circulation, which is a circulatory system that runs parallel to your veins and arteries.
Your lymph nodes pick up bacteria and dead cells from your body, then circulate them throughout the lymphatic system until they exit your body through your lymphatic ducts. If the lymphatic system is unhealthy, you may be more susceptible to infections and illnesses that cause diarrhea and constipation.
Stomach Acid
As you age, your stomach acid can decrease because of reducing the cells that produce it. If this happens, food may not digest so that nutrients are not absorbed into your body as efficiently as they should be. This is especially true of older people who have low vitamin B12 levels.
A decrease in stomach acid can also be due to the decline in testosterone that men experience as they age. Testosterone stimulates cells in your stomach to produce acid, so less of this hormone means that you will have less stomach acid.
Conclusion
Take the necessary steps to maintain your health as you age. As you get older, fewer cells produce enzymes needed for proper digestion. Common things will change when you get older but talk to your doctor if the symptoms are significant. Always take preventative actions to maintain your health.