The number and proportion of people aged 65 years or older are rapidly increasing, especially in developed countries thereby increasing the healthcare costs of growing individuals due to age-related diseases and disorders. There is a progressive decline in the functions of most of the organs including the GI tract due to aging. Aging-associated gastrointestinal dysfunctions include esophageal reflux, dyspepsia, early satiety and anorexia, gastritis, refractory peptic ulcers, fibrosis, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, fecal incontinence, and GI infection due to intestinal bacterial overgrowth, bleeding. These conditions and diseases are not lethal, but they reduce the quality of life and lead to the predisposition to other diseases. For these reasons, it is imperative to understand the mechanisms of age-related GI dysfunctions for healthy aging. However, the mechanisms of age-related GI dysfunctions remain complex and unclear, and there is limited data on GI aging due to a lack of sufficient medical attention and suitable models. Further research is needed to potentially reverse or delay GI aging.

This methods collection focuses on novel methods and approaches for studying aging in the GI tract to improve our understanding of age-related GI diseases and disorders.