UCSF Launches Specialized Clinic for Older Adults with IBD

The new IBD Longevity Clinic takes a holistic approach to managing inflammatory bowel disease in patients 65 and older.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:37am by

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image revealing the inflamed intestines of an elderly person, conceptually illustrating the internal effects of inflammatory bowel disease in older adults.The UCSF IBD Longevity Clinic's specialized, holistic approach aims to improve quality of life for older adults living with the unique challenges of inflammatory bowel disease.San Francisco Today

The UCSF IBD Longevity Clinic is a pioneering initiative that provides specialized care for adults aged 65 and above living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This multidisciplinary clinic brings together gastroenterologists, geriatricians, nutritionists, and pharmacists to address the unique challenges faced by older adults with IBD, including age-related complications, medication side effects, and social isolation.

Why it matters

As the population ages and the number of people living with chronic conditions like IBD increases, the need for integrative geriatric care has become critical. The UCSF IBD Longevity Clinic is addressing a significant healthcare gap by offering a holistic approach to managing IBD in older adults, which can help improve their quality of life and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.

The details

The clinic specializes in treating adults aged 65 and above with inflammatory bowel disease, which affects approximately 2.5 million people in the United States. The clinic brings together a multidisciplinary team to address the complex needs of older adults with IBD, including managing age-related complications like bone loss, frailty, malnutrition, and polypharmacy. This approach is crucial as geriatric syndromes can exacerbate IBD symptoms.

  • The UCSF IBD Longevity Clinic opened in July 2026.
  • By 2030, more than one-third of the world's IBD population will be 60 or older.

The players

UCSF IBD Longevity Clinic

A pioneering initiative at the University of California, San Francisco that specializes in treating adults aged 65 and above with inflammatory bowel disease.

Peter Milkie

An 81-year-old patient living with ulcerative colitis, one of the two types of IBD, who has been receiving specialized care at the UCSF IBD Longevity Clinic.

Dr. Kendall Beck

A UCSF gastroenterologist and co-founder of the UCSF IBD Longevity Clinic.

Dr. Anu Madhavan

A UCSF geriatrician and co-founder of the UCSF IBD Longevity Clinic.

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What they’re saying

“I'm hoping that coming to a clinic like this will give them a bigger picture perspective of their health management and help them achieve their aging-related goals.”

— Dr. Anu Madhavan, UCSF Geriatrician and Co-Founder of the UCSF IBD Longevity Clinic

“The side effects of the medication, including fatigue, are a small price to pay for me, as I adapt to the inconvenience.”

— Peter Milkie, 81-year-old Patient with Ulcerative Colitis

What’s next

The UCSF IBD Longevity Clinic plans to continue expanding its services and reach to serve more older adults with IBD in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.

The takeaway

The UCSF IBD Longevity Clinic's holistic approach to managing inflammatory bowel disease in older adults is a model for how specialized geriatric care can improve the quality of life for those living with chronic conditions as they age.