Which of the following can negatively impact the elderly’s ability to absorb medications?

A poor diet can significantly hinder the elderly's ability to absorb medications effectively. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to a variety of health issues, including impaired digestion and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Certain nutrients play a critical role in the metabolism and absorption of medications. For example, vitamins and minerals can influence how well the body processes medications; if the elderly are not consuming a balanced diet rich in these essential nutrients, it could result in suboptimal drug absorption.

In contrast, increased physical activity, high fluid intake, and frequent meal times are generally associated with positive health outcomes and can enhance medication absorption. Regular physical activity can stimulate digestive processes, adequate hydration helps in the solubility of medications, and having more frequent meals may help maintain a stable environment in the gastrointestinal tract for medication absorption—thus suggesting that these factors are less likely to detrimentally impact the elderly's ability to absorb medications.