Mr. L., a 78-year-old retired teacher, presents to the clini…
Mr. L., a 78-year-old retired teacher, presents to the clinic for a routine wellness exam. He reports feeling more fatigued than usual and mentions a 6-pound weight loss over the past two months. He also describes occasional bloating, early satiety, and mild discomfort in the upper abdomen after meals. The nurse reviews his dietary intake and notes that Mr. L. follows a balanced diet with adequate protein and iron. His physical exam is unremarkable except for mild pallor. Vital signs are stable. Lab results from last week reveal: Hemoglobin: 11.2 g/dL (Low) Vitamin B12: Borderline low Stool test: Negative for blood As part of the assessment, the nurse considers age-related changes in the digestive system. Based on this information, which age-related digestive change most likely contributes to Mr. L.’s symptoms?