With age, the stomach’s lining becomes less resistant to damage, which may increase the risk of peptic ulcer disease. With age, the stomach becomes less elastic and cannot accommodate as much food.
Due to changes to the structure, enzyme secretion, and bacterial populations in the small and large intestines, nutrient absorption may decrease. Levels of the enzyme lactase decrease, which may lead to intolerance of dairy products (lactose intolerance).
Some structural changes occur in other components of the digestive system, but these do not significantly impact the digestive process.