Almost everyone experiences the occasional bout of constipation. But some people feel backed up more frequently than others, whether that’s because of an existing gastrointestinal disorder, taking certain medications, or age. That’s right—you’re more likely to feel constipated as you get older. So here, we’re taking a look at why constipation becomes more common after 50.
Meet the experts: Douglas Weine, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Red Bank Gastroenterology in Red Bank, N.J.; Ritu Nahar, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Allied Digestive Health in Somerset, N.J.
“Constipation becomes more common with age, although getting older does not automatically mean getting constipated,” says Douglas Weine, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Red Bank Gastroenterology in Red Bank, N.J. Instead, there are certain situations that are more common in people over 50 than in younger folks that make constipation more likely to occur.
Ahead, doctors explain the age-related factors that can contribute to constipation, plus some simple lifestyle strategies that can help you avoid it.
Why is constipation so common after 50?
“The most common causes of constipation include a low-fiber diet, inadequate fluid intake, lack of physical activity, medication side effects, and chronic medical conditions that slow down gut motility,” explains Ritu Nahar, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Allied Digestive Health in Somerset, N.J. While some of these, such as a low-fiber diet and not drinking enough fluids, can be true of anyone at any age, others are more likely to be present in people over 50. Here are the ones that experts say play the biggest role.
Less physical activity
“As we age, physical activity often decreases,” Dr. Nahar says. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 41% of men and 29% of women between ages 18 and 34 meet the recommended physical activity guidelines, but those numbers drop to 22% of men and 18% of women for ages 50 to 64 and 15% of men and 11% of women for ages 65 and over. This drop in activity can slow gut motility, making constipation more likely.
Higher medication use
“People over 50 are more likely to take constipating medications, such as opioids, iron, calcium supplements, some blood-pressure medicines, and certain antidepressants,” says Dr. Weine. All of these count constipation as a possible side effect—and considering that nearly 70% of adults over 40 take at least one prescription drug and 22% take at least five, per the CDC, this can drastically increase the likelihood that they will experience constipation.
Chronic health conditions
As is the case with some medications, some chronic health conditions that are more likely to occur in people over 50 can affect bowel function, per Dr. Nahar and Dr. Weine. These include diabetes, thyroid disease, and neurologic disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to the Cleveland Clinic.
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Reduced bowel motility
“As we age, bowel motility can slow,” explains Dr. Nahar. According to a review published in the journal Visceral Medicine, most of the basic functions of the GI tract are not affected by aging—food still moves from your mouth and through your digestive system as it should. However, the age-related increase in constipation suggests that some of the cells and processes that control digestion may be impacted by aging in a way that disrupts healthy function.
Hormonal and pelvic floor changes
“Constipation is generally more common in women than men, including in older adults,” Dr. Weine says. In fact, women are nearly twice as likely to suffer from constipation as men, per research in BMC Gastroenterology. That’s because there are a handful of factors that can contribute to constipation that only occur in women. “Hormonal changes, pelvic floor disorders, and a history of pregnancy and childbirth all contribute to the higher prevalence,” says Dr. Nahar. “Adhesions from abdominal surgeries such as C-sections and hysterectomies can also impair gut motility.”
Smart strategies to combat constipation
The good news: Just because constipation is more common in people over 50 doesn’t mean that they can’t take steps to avoid it. To reduce the likelihood that you experience constipation, Dr. Weine and Dr. Nahar recommend the following strategies:
- Drink enough fluids, aiming for 11.5 to 15.5 cups per day
- Aim to eat 25 to 35 grams of fiber daily, gradually increasing your intake with foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains
- Exercise regularly
- Talk to your doctor about any medications and/or supplements that may be contributing to constipation
- Make time for the bathroom and respond promptly to the urge to go
- Use a footstool to raise your knees while sitting on the toilet
Ultimately, getting older makes constipation more likely, but doesn’t mean you must experience it or that there’s nothing you can do about it. Being aware of the factors that can contribute to constipation and taking the right steps on a daily basis to combat it can go far toward helping you maintain healthy bowel function as you age.
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