Constipation is an uncomfortable situation, no matter your age. However, it’s a more common condition for older adults than young people.
Constipation is when a person has three or fewer bowel movements in a week. It can become a problem when it occurs more often than usual.
Many things in the body change with age. Some systems in the human body slow down and lose efficiency. Diet, habits, and living situations change. Constipation increases in frequency as people jump after age 60. There are many causes of constipation among older adults, like:
- reduced mobility
- multiple chronic illnesses
- dehydration
- not eating and drinking enough
Besides understanding the causes of constipation, it’s important to understand the risk of different structural changes as a person ages. It includes things like:
- colon thickening
- stenosis of the anus
- rectocele, which is when the rectum bulges into the vagina
- hemorrhoids
- loss of abdominal strength
- motility disorders
- bowel obstructions
To prevent constipation in older adults, one can take steps like:
- drink plenty of water
- stay active
- get regular exercise
- aim for 25 to 30 grams (g) of fiber in the daily diet
- time your toileting efforts regularly after meals
