Which of the following is a risk factor for diverticulitis?

Advanced age is a recognized risk factor for diverticulitis. As individuals grow older, the structural changes in the colon and the decrease in bowel wall elasticity increase the likelihood of forming diverticula, which are small pouches that develop in the intestinal wall. These diverticula can become inflamed or infected, leading to diverticulitis.

In older adults, especially those over 60, the incidence of diverticulitis is significantly higher due to these anatomical and physiological changes. Understanding this relationship emphasizes the importance of monitoring gastrointestinal health in older populations and guiding preventive strategies. Other factors, while they may play a role in overall digestive health (like obesity or lifestyle choices), do not have the same direct connection to the increased incidence of diverticulitis that advanced age does.