7 Tips for Aging Well With IBD

Whether you’ve been living with an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (UC) for years or were diagnosed later in life, one thing’s for sure: Protecting your health as you age requires more thought when you have IBD.

“Age itself does not necessarily make the management of IBD trickier, but it is true that older adults are more likely to have [other] health problems that may impact the management of IBD,” says Winnie Zou, MD, PhD, a clinical assistant professor of gastroenterology and hepatology with the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor. You might be keeping up with multiple chronic health conditions as you age, need to watch out for medication interactions, or struggle with maintaining a healthy weight or getting adequate nutrition, for instance.

Being proactive about your treatment needs and your overall health can help you weather these changes and feel your best as you get older. Here are seven strategies to serve as a starting point.

1. Review Your IBD Treatment Plan Regularly

2. Manage Your Other Health Conditions

“[When you] have additional medical conditions or medication interactions to consider, treatment decisions often require closer monitoring and a more personalized approach,” Dr. Berger says.

3. Stay on Top of Your Vaccines

“IBD itself and its treatment can both impact the immune system and the ability to fight common infections,” says Dr. Zou.

4. Discuss Age-Appropriate Screenings With Your Doctor

5. Stay Active

Zou says older adults should aim for 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity most days of the week (like walking or swimming). “I [also] usually recommend weight-bearing and stability exercises to help fight against muscle and bone loss and to prevent falls,” she says. Your care team can help you come up with an exercise plan that you enjoy and that feels doable for you.

6. Eat a Healthy Diet

As a result, choosing nutrient-dense foods becomes more important than ever. “Eating a balanced and nutritious diet helps fuel your body for the demands of everyday living, but also provides the necessary reserve to heal at times of illness,” Zou says.

If you’re struggling to find healthy foods that you can tolerate, your doctor can refer you to a registered dietitian who specializes in IBD. Together, you can identify any nutritional gaps in your diet and come up with a menu that meets your needs.

7. Shore Up Your Support Network

And your relationships may matter even more when you’re living with Crohn’s or UC. “Chronic illnesses like IBD can contribute to anxiety, depression, and social isolation, and having family, friends, or caregivers involved can make a meaningful difference in quality of life and overall well-being,” Berger says.

Plus, it can be really helpful to have people you can count on for a hand with practical matters like staying on top of doctor’s appointments, managing medications, or even picking up groceries to make it easier for you to get the nutrition you need.

The Takeaway

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management can change as you get older, as other chronic health conditions and medication concerns can mean your care plan needs more regular review and personalization.
• Keeping chronic conditions, medications, and preventive care coordinated helps you make smarter treatment decisions and can help reduce your risk for drug interactions and complications.
• Staying active and eating a healthy diet can help you maintain your strength so you can be more independent and bounce back from potential flares.
• Strong connections with family, friends, and people in your community is a must for mental and physical health — and may help make day-to-day IBD management easier.