The nurse is performing a focused bowel assessment on an older adult.Which of the following physiological changes of aging should alert the nurse to an increased risk for problems associated with bowel elimination? Select all that apply.

A) Decreased sphincter control
B) Decreased peristalsis
C) Increased intestinal muscle tone
D) Decreased physical activity

The bowel pattern set in childhood normally continues into late adulthood if the patient consumes adequate fiber and fluid and engages in regular physical activity.However,peristalsis,intestinal smooth muscle tone,perineal muscle tone,and sphincter control normally decrease with aging.These physiological processes can contribute to bowel elimination problems among older adults (e.g.,bowel incontinence,constipation),especially if they decrease their activity and fiber intake.Increased intestinal muscle tone is not a normal physiological change of aging.Decreased activity level,although common in some older adults,is not a physiological change or process.In fact,some older adults may have rather high activity levels.