Diverticulitis: Given the patient's age and symptoms of bloody bowel movements and bloating, diverticulitis is a strong consideration. The fact that the patient had a similar episode about a year ago supports this diagnosis, as diverticulitis can be recurrent.

Hemorrhoids: Common in adults, hemorrhoids can cause bloody stools, especially if they are thrombosed or prolapsed. Bloating can be associated with constipation, which is a risk factor for hemorrhoids.
Colorectal Cancer: Although less likely than diverticulitis given the recurrent nature of the symptoms, colorectal cancer is a possibility, especially in a 61-year-old. It can present with bloody stools and changes in bowel habits.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease can cause bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. The recurrent nature of the symptoms could fit with IBD, although the age of onset might be considered late for a new diagnosis.

Ischemic Colitis: This condition, caused by reduced blood flow to the colon, can present with sudden onset of bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. It's crucial to consider, especially in older adults, due to its potential for severe complications if not promptly treated.
Infectious Colitis: Certain bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can cause bloody stools and bloating. While less likely given the recurrent nature and the patient's age, infectious colitis, especially from common pathogens like E. coli or Campylobacter, should not be overlooked.
Lower Gastrointestinal Bleed from Other Sources: Bleeding from the small intestine or other parts of the lower GI tract, such as an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) or a Dieulafoy's lesion, although rare, can be life-threatening and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine telescopes into another part, intussusception can cause bloody stools and abdominal pain. It's more common in children but can occur in adults, often associated with a lead point like a tumor.
Meckel's Diverticulum: A congenital anomaly of the small intestine, Meckel's diverticulum can cause bleeding, especially in younger patients, but can occasionally present in older adults.
Angiodysplasia: Vascular lesions in the GI tract that can cause bleeding, angiodysplasia is more common in older adults but is relatively rare and often diagnosed incidentally or during evaluation for GI bleeding.