As Hippocrates noted, “It is a general rule that intestines become sluggish with age.” Constipation is one of the most common and annoying problems of aging, affecting 50 percent of older adults. As we age, the intestinal muscles that help move food along weaken and the contractions are not as strong. Often, medications taken by older adults cause constipation as a side effect. Many older adults become less physically active, which also increases constipation. It disproportionately affects women, nonwhites, people from a lower socioeconomic status, and those who suffer from depression.
