Constipation is a medical issue to be taken seriously, particularly when present in the older adult. Older adults are considered to be a primary at-risk group for chronic constipation. In fact, it’s estimated that older adults are five times more likely to develop constipated-related problems than younger adults (Mandal 2019).

What is Constipation?

Constipation is often defined as having fewer than three bowel movements a week (Mayo Clinic 2021).

It also encompasses the passing of hard, dry bowel motions that are infrequent, difficult to pass, or both (Better Health Channel 2014).

Constipation can usually be prevented and treated by maintaining a high fibre diet, increasing water intake and exercising regularly (Better Health Channel 2014).

Why Does Constipation Occur?

The process of digestion is as follows: when food is consumed, it breaks down in the stomach and passes through the intestines. The walls of the intestines then absorb nutrients from the food. The waste that remains is then passed through the colon and rectum (Khan 2019).

However, if the waste moves through the colon too slowly through the digestive tract, too much water is absorbed from it. Consequently, the resulting stool is dry, hard and difficult to pass (AMBOSS 2022; Mayo Clinic 2021).

Causes of Constipation in Older Adults

There are many reasons why constipation affects older adults. Examples include:

• Side-effects of certain medicines, including opiates, antidepressants, anticonvulsants and antihistamines
• Comorbidities such as strictures, hypothyroidism, tumours or Parkinson’s disease
• Prolonged bed rest, perhaps during illness, resulting in a decrease in movement
• Lack of interest in eating (frequently seen in single or widowed older people), resulting in the consumption of low-effort food that is typically low in fibre
• Slowing or weakening of the digestive system as a result of ageing and/or frailty
• Poor diet or lack of adequate fluids in diet
• Lack of exercise
• Urinary/stress incontinence, which is common in older adults
• Absence of teeth, which can make it difficult to eat regular meals.

(DailyCaring 2022; Mandal 2019)

Constipation can also be the result of more serious illnesses and events, including tumours and systemic diseases (Better Health Channel 2014).

Common Types of Constipation in Older Adults

Constipation can be either primary - meaning there is no underlying medical cause - or secondary - meaning there is an underlying cause (AMBOSS 2022).

Types of primary constipation include:

• Normal transit constipation: Although a stool passes through the colon at a regular pace, patients perceive difficulty in passing bowel motions. This is often associated with IBS.
• Slow-transit constipation: Predominantly affects women. Bowel movements are infrequent, limited in their urgency or involve straining.
• Pelvic floor dysfunction: Difficulty in coordinating pelvic floor muscles or muscles around the anus during defecation. This often creates a feeling of an incomplete bowel motion.

(Mandal 2019)

Symptoms of Constipation

• Needing to open the bowels less frequently
• Hard, dry stools that might be hard to pass
• Painfully straining to pass a bowel motion
• Feeling as though there is a blockage preventing a bowel movement
• Having to sit on the toilet for long periods of time
• A sensation that the bowel has not fully emptied after a motion
• Having a bloated abdomen
• Abdominal cramps.

(Better Health Channel 2014; Mayo Clinic 2021)

Risk Factors for Constipation

Being older than 65 is a major risk factor for chronic constipation. Other risk factors include:

• Being female
• Being pregnant
• Being ill
• Dehydration
• Insufficient fibre intake
• Lack of physical activity
• Mental health issues such as depression or having an eating disorder
• Taking regular medication for which constipation is a side-effect.

(Djordjevic 2022; Better Health Channel 2014)

Potential Complications of Constipation

• Haemorrhoids: Swollen or damaged blood vessels in the anus
• Anal fissure: Torn skin in the anus, which can be caused by a hard or large stool
• Faecal impaction: Faecal matter in the lower bowel that cannot be passed
• Rectal prolapse: A section of the intestine protruding from the anus
• Faecal incontinence: The inability to control bowel movements
• Urinary incontinence: Constant straining can weaken pelvic floor muscles.

(Mayo Clinic 2021; Better Health Channel 2014)

Diagnosing Constipation

Diagnosis can involve a detailed medical history; a physical examination; questions relating to diet, exercise and lifestyle habits; a colonoscopy; or a combination of these (Mandal 2019; Better Health Channel 2014).

From this examination, the cause of the constipation can be identified (Mandal 2019).

Treating Constipation

Foods to Encourage:

• Soluble fibres: legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds and vegetables
• Insoluble fibres: wheat bran, wholegrain bread and cereals.

(Better Health Channel 2014; Mayo Clinic 2021)

Foods to Limit:

• Processed foods
• Dairy
• Refined grains (such as white rice)
• Red meat.

(Mayo Clinic 2021; Better Health Channel 2014; Daily Caring 2022)

Drinking adequate amounts of water is a known strategy for preventing and aiding constipation. Water softens stools and stimulates the bowel (Daily Caring 2022).

If a person’s diet is lacking in fibre and they are reluctant to eat certain foods, consider advising the intake of a fibre supplement (Better Health Channel 2014).

Laxatives are a treatment option for constipation if diet and lifestyle modifications do not provide a solution. There are two primary types of laxatives: osmotic laxatives and bowel stimulants. Laxatives should be used appropriately to avoid adverse effects (Better Health Channel 2014; Mounsey et al. 2015).

Exercise

Regular exercise is known to aid and regulate digestion. The minimum amount of exercise recommended is 30 minutes per day. In the case of an older person and/or where mobility issues are apparent, activity should be encouraged. Every small bit of exercise makes a difference (Better Health Channel 2014).

Stress Management

It’s been shown that depression and mood disorders can trigger constipation. Yoga, meditation or other relaxation techniques may aid this (MedicineNet 2021).

Creating a Routine

Try to establish a regular bathroom time in which the older adult tries to empty their bowels each day. In addition to this routine, they should be encouraged to go as soon as they feel the urge (DailyCaring 2022).

Preventing Constipation

• Maintaining a high-fibre diet
• Avoiding processed foods
• Drinking plenty of water
• Exercising
• Managing stress
• Having a regular schedule for bowel evacuation
• Not ignoring the urge to pass stools.

(Mayo Clinic 2021; Better Health Channel 2014)

References