Although people of any age can experience constipation, seniors may be at higher risk for this unpleasant symptom caused by a variety of factors, such as diet, exercise, bowel habits, medical conditions, and medications. Seniors may have a combination of two or more risk factors, which makes constipation even more likely.
What is Constipation?
Constipation is a symptom rather than a disease process that results from stools moving through the large intestine too slowly. This condition can vary greatly from one person to the next because different people have different bowel habits. For example, one person might normally have one or two bowel movements per day while another person might normally have three stools a week.
People who are experiencing constipation may have bowel movements less than three times per week or may feel as if they have stool in the bowels after going to the bathroom. Stools may be hard and dry and the person may have difficulty passing stools or feel the urge to strain to have a bowel movement. Bloody stools or a bloated feeling may be a sign of constipation. People who have very watery or thin stools may have constipation or an impaction in which liquid or thin stools are passing around the blockage.
Diet & Dehydration Can Cause Constipation in Seniors
A diet low in fiber or roughage can place a person at risk for constipation. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that cannot be digested and is found in many whole fruits and vegetables, beans and legumes, whole grains, and nuts. The Harvard School of Public Health’s 2009 online article entitled “Fiber: Start Roughing It!” recommends that senior men consume at least 30 grams of fiber per day while senior women should take in at least 21 grams of fiber daily. Americans typically average consuming about 15 grams of fiber per day.
Older adults, particularly those who live alone, may be drawn to processed foods and those that may be ready-to-eat or pre-prepared. Seniors with difficulty chewing may search out processed foods that are easier to chew. Unfortunately, many of these convenience foods may be more likely to have lower levels of fiber, which contributes to constipation problems. A diet high in sugar and fat may also contribute to constipation.
Many seniors do not drink adequate amounts of water, which is necessary to achieve normal bowel function. According to the USDA’s September 2002 article “More Than One in Three Older Americans May Not Drink Enough Water,” a high percentage of seniors are at risk for dehydration and do not get adequate water intake from plain water and moist foods such as fruits and vegetables.
Although water needs can vary greatly among seniors depending on activity, environmental temperature, chronic health conditions, and more, some seniors are at particularly risk for dehydration. As the body ages, it becomes less able to conserve water stores and the sense of thirst may become less acute. Elders who have limited range of motion may have to depend on others to provide fresh drinking water, and those suffering from neglect or abuse are particularly vulnerable to an inadequate water supply.
Lack of Exercise & Chronic Health Conditions Contribute to Constipation
Seniors who are not active or confined to bed without performing range of motion exercises are particularly prone to constipation. Older adults who ignore or do not recognize the urge to defecate or who use laxatives and/or enemas may also be at risk for constipation.
According to the University of Maryland’s December 19, 2007 online article by Stephen D. Ehrlich, N.M.D. entitled “Constipation,” certain medical conditions place some older adults at risk for constipation, including, but not limited to:
- bowel diseases, such as irritable bowel
- thyroid problems, such as hypothyroidism
- mental health conditions, such as depression
- neurological conditions, such as stroke
- certain cancers, such as colon cancer
Some medications place seniors at risk for constipation and the above article by Dr. Ehrlich lists several categories, such as:
- pain medications
- anticonvulsants
- antacids
- tricyclic antidepressants
- antihistamines
- diuretics or water pills
Reasons for Constipation in Older Adults
As people age, constipation may become more likely due to changes in the body and lifestyle. Chronic conditions and medications may also play a role in the body’s ability to maintain normal bowel function. Seniors who experience constipation should discuss bowel concerns with their physician in order to determine the best course of action to safely combat constipation.
Readers may also enjoy the following articles:
- Sudden Watery Diarrhea After Constipation details how what seems to be improving constipation might actually be a very serious and life-threatening problem.
- Healthy Exercise – Learn How to Start! offers practical advice for beginning an exercise program.
- Safe Use of Drug Prescriptions and OTC Meds tells how to ensure unnecessary medications and duplicate drugs can be avoided.
- How to Get Shorter Waiting Times at the Doctor's Office offers practical information for a problem that is all too common for seniors.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
Katrena Wells - Katrena Wells is a RN in NC with 17 1/2 years of experience in oncology, an educator since 1995, and has taught exercise classes since ...
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