A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about physiological changes in the digestive system that occur with aging. The nurse should include older adults might experience which of the following physiological changes?

A. Increased gastric acid production: Older adults typically experience a decline in gastric acid secretion rather than an increase. Reduced acid production can affect digestion and absorption of certain nutrients such as vitamin B12 and iron. B. Decreased pH of the stomach: With aging, gastric acid secretion decreases, leading to a higher, not lower, stomach pH. This change can contribute to altered digestion and increased susceptibility to certain infections. C. Decreased intestinal peristalsis: Aging often slows gastrointestinal motility, resulting in decreased peristalsis. This contributes to common issues such as constipation and delayed gastric emptying in older adults. D. Increased muscle tone of the bowel: Muscle tone generally decreases with aging, including within the gastrointestinal tract. Reduced tone further contributes to slowed motility and bowel function.