Which of the following is NOT a normal change in the digestive system caused by aging?

The effective gag reflex is not typically diminished with age. In fact, the gag reflex can remain intact as people get older. While aging does lead to several changes in the digestive system, such as slower digestion, reduced saliva production, and sometimes a decreased appetite, the gag reflex generally preserves its function.

Aging can influence muscle tone and coordination in the esophagus and other areas of the digestive tract, but the gag reflex itself is a protective mechanism that tends to stay functional in older adults. This reflex helps prevent choking by triggering a response to clear the throat or airway when foreign objects or irritants are present, which is essential for maintaining safe swallowing and digestion.

Recognizing what remains functional, such as the gag reflex, helps caregivers understand how to best support the older population's health and safety during meal times.