In a woman’s golden years, blood loss and poor absorption are the most common causes of iron deficiency. Use of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and aspirin over many years can damage the gastrointestinal tract and cause bleeding. Also, not producing enough stomach acid can interfere with iron absorption. Women in their golden years may also experience decreased appetite and consume a nutrient-poor diet that doesn’t contain enough iron, further increasing their risk of developing iron deficiency. Finally, medications and chronic conditions (which are more common during this stage of life) can also increase the risk.