When you discuss bowel movements with seniors, it is almost always a matter of being constipated or even experiencing chronic constipation for years now—like it is a way of life for an elderly person. Ask a caregiver and you’ll probably be exchanging tips on how to stay regular within minutes since it is fairly known around caregivers’ circle that as the years pile up, the more you’ll have a hard time staying “regular”.

As a rule, bowel movement of less than three times a week is considered as constipation. If you strain when you are defecating, that’s constipation too. If your stool is too hard to even pass your sphincter, or if you draw blood just by pushing it out of you, then you are positively dealing with constipation. Unfortunately, constipation is common with us seniors. Healthcare providers believe that there are some lifestyle factors affecting your ability to maintain a regular bowel movement. One look at it and you’ll know why most seniors are having a hard time moving theirs:

•    Digestive system not working properly anymore, in relation with old age.
•    Low calorie and fiber intake.
•    Lack of exercise.
•    Cold temperatures.
•    Not enough liquid intake.
•    Medications.
•    Surgery.

For a senior, it is important that you have maintained a healthy bowel movement during your younger years as this will help your body establish a routine. More importantly, maintain an active body since it promotes movement inside the body as well. A diet that is high in fiber and low in protein will help soften up your stool and make it move faster than your usual rate. Aside from that, drink plenty of water as the longer the stool sits in your rectum, the more water your rectum will absorb making the stool dry thus harder to pass.

While laxatives can help seniors with constipation, it is not recommended for prolonged use. Regular use of laxatives can cause nerve and muscle damage of the colon—damage that is irreversible so you would want to stay away from it. When trying to treat constipation, do know that constipation is a symptom of an existing condition or lifestyle. Eating too little can result to constipation, so does thyroid problem, along with other conditions. It is best to consult your doctor, armed with your stool journal in which it details the frequency of your stool, consistency and even your bowel habits. This will help your doctor determine when the constipation started and its probable cause.