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.
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.
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