Body Changes with Age: Lower Gastrointestinal System
The lower GI system is incredibly important for both waste elimination and a person’s overall health. As we get older, natural changes—like digestion slowing down, muscles weakening, or fewer enzymes being produced—can sometimes lead to discomfort, constipation, or even incontinence.
This course will give you a solid foundation in how the lower GI system works, what age-related changes to expect, and how to recognize common conditions such as constipation, hemorrhoids, or fecal incontinence. You’ll also explore how daily factors like diet, activity, medications, and even stress can affect bowel health, and how to observe and report changes clearly and professionally.
Through practical guidance and real-world scenarios, you’ll gain confidence in assisting with toileting, encouraging hydration and movement, and documenting your observations in a way that truly protects your client’s dignity and helps them get timely support.
45 Min Certificate included 100% online English Audio & Captions
Learning Objectives
What you'll learn
By the end of this course, caregivers will be able to:
- Identify and describe the main parts and functions of the lower GI system, including the small intestine, colon, rectum, and anus.
- Explain how aging affects digestion and elimination, such as slower peristalsis and weakened muscle tone.
- Recognize signs and symptoms of common GI conditions in older adults, such as constipation, hemorrhoids, and incontinence.
- Support client bowel health through hydration, toileting assistance, hygiene care, and positioning.
- Observe, document, and report changes in bowel movements and symptoms using appropriate language and protocols.
What's inside
This course includes
How-to instructional videos
Interactive learning activities
Knowledge checks throughout
Audio narration
Closed captions (accessibility)
Certificate of completion
Scenario-based videos
Downloadable checklists
Mobile-friendly access
Progress saving (resume anytime)
