What Should Be Done for Constipation in Elderly Individuals?

Constipation refers to a reduction in bowel movement frequency, accompanied by difficulty passing stool and hard, dry feces. Healthy individuals typically have one or two bowel movements per day—or one every one to two days—whereas constipated patients have fewer than three bowel movements per week, often with straining, hard or lumpy stools, and reduced stool volume. So, how should constipation in elderly individuals be managed? Let’s explore this together.

Managing Constipation in the Elderly

Constipation and difficulty passing stool in elderly individuals can be alleviated through dietary adjustments and, when necessary, pharmacological interventions.

With advancing age, overall organ function—including gastrointestinal motility—gradually declines. Additionally, reduced mobility due to physical limitations further decreases physical activity, predisposing older adults to constipation and difficulty evacuating stool. For mild cases, dietary modifications may suffice: increasing intake of high-fiber foods—such as celery, dragon fruit, and bananas—can enhance intestinal motility and facilitate defecation. In daily life, it is also important to maintain a light, bland diet, avoiding spicy or irritating foods (e.g., chili peppers, ginger) and greasy foods (e.g., fatty meats, hotpot), which may exacerbate constipation and stool retention.

If dietary changes prove ineffective, pharmacological treatment—under medical supervision—may be required. Options include herbal laxatives such as Mahuang Runchang Wan (Semen Cannabis Laxative Pills), smectite powder, or lactulose, all of which help promote bowel movements.

We hope the above information is helpful to you.