Aging with IBD

Whether you’ve managed Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis for decades or were diagnosed later in life, older adults (ages 60+) are now the fastest-growing group of people living with IBD.

 

This stage of life can bring unique challenges—age-related medical conditions, medication barriers, and limited inclusion in clinical trials. Social or physical limitations and financial concerns may also arise over time.

 

By taking a proactive approach to disease management and planning ahead, you can improve your chances for a high quality of life and keep doing the things you love for years to come.

 

 

Video Length 00:34:40

Living with IBD as an Older Adult: What You Need to Know Learn how older adults living with IBD can manage Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis with expert guidance from Dr. Bharati Kochar of Mass General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Discover key challenges, treatment options, and wellness tips for aging with IBD from the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s My IBD Learning Program.

Video Length 00:04:49

Older Adults Living with IBD: Real patient stories Two powerful stories, one life-changing diagnosis. In this video, patients share their decades-long journeys with Crohn’s disease — from being diagnosed as teens and adults to navigating surgeries, flare-ups, nutrition, medications, and long-term complications.

 

Tips and Resources for Living with IBD During Your Golden Years

Medical/Healthcare
  • Be a proactive partner with your doctor: keep them regularly informed of symptoms and work together to reduce inflammation and achieve remission.
  • Find a “quarterback” primary care doctor to manage all of your medical conditions, medications, and nutritional health.
  • Bring a list of questions with you to every appointment.
  • Record your appointments or ask for a summary of the visit.
  • Consider ease of medication delivery: infusions vs. oral vs. injection.
  • Talk to your IBD doctor about screening for cancers (colon, skin, or other age-appropriate tests), anemia, osteoporosis, eye health, and arthritis.
Wellness
  • Stay up-to-date on vaccines.
  • A healthy diet low in processed foods and high in whole grains and lean proteins (such as the Mediterranean diet) can improve inflammation and cardiovascular health.
  • Personalized diet therapy is best delivered by a GI nutritionist.
  • Stay physically active to reduce anxiety and strengthen bones and joints.
  • Take steps to improve sleep quality.
Social & Emotional
  • Bring a family member or friend to your appointments to listen to instructions and help ask questions.
  • Use memory aids to keep track of appointments and medications.
  • Stay engaged in activities such as reading, music, crosswords, and puzzles that help with memory improvement.
  • If you consider moving to an independent or dependent living community, look into transportation, healthcare nutrition, and housing options that meet your IBD needs.
  • Begin meaningful conversations with your loved ones about future decisions about your medical care.
  • Visit ibdover60.org a website dedicated to providing resources and support to older adults with IBD.
  • Join the IBD Seniors Virtual Support Group, the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 11am ET. Email [email protected] for more information.
Financial
  • Financial planning for retirement and fixed income.
  • Prepare for switching over to Medicare (at age 65 or at retirement):
    • Research if your current medication and provider will be covered as you transition from your current insurance to a Medicare health plan.
    • Compare coverage, costs, and out-of-pocket expenses for Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage.
    • Consider supplemental insurance (Medigap).
  • Check out this webinar with helpful information for older adults on managing the costs of IBD medications and treatments.