Controlling Crohn’s is important for the health of your gastrointestinal tract — and your health as a whole. “It is important to ensure that an older adult with Crohn’s disease also aims for true remission like a younger adult,” says Kochar.
Poorly controlled Crohn’s can increase your risk of complications that could require hospitalization or surgery, such as abscesses, anal fissures, anemia, bowel obstructions, and fistulas.
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What’s more, it can exacerbate health issues that become more common with age in general, including fatigue, joint pain, poor nutrition, reduced bone density, and a higher infection and cancer risk.
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Managing Crohn’s starts with getting on the right treatment. And yet, seniors are less likely to receive advanced therapies, such as biologics and small-molecule drugs, that the American Gastroenterological Association recommends for improving long-term outcomes and reducing the chances of Crohn’s getting worse.
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Part of the reason: Some of these medications may come with a higher risk of side effects, such as severe infections, in older adults, and insurance, including Medicare, can limit a person’s treatment choices.
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Plus, newer therapies simply haven’t been well studied in people over 60.
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Deciding what’s right for you comes down to preferences, Crohn’s severity, and your overall health. “We have to balance the risk of poorly controlled Crohn’s disease against the low risk of an adverse event with effective modern treatments,” says Kochar. “Understanding a patient’s priorities for their health and quality of life guides treatment decision-making.”
No matter the therapy you choose, it’s important to make healthy lifestyle choices, which not only benefit Crohn’s treatment, but also reduce your risk for age-related concerns. “Preventive measures go a long way,” says Kochar. You should:
- Stay up to date on vaccines, including COVID, flu, pneumococcal, and shingles.
- Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains and low in ultraprocessed foods.
- See a registered dietitian who specializes in Crohn’s disease to help you catch and address potential nutrient deficiencies, if necessary.
- Get regular physical activity.
- Prioritize getting enough sleep.
