Why Constipation Is So Common After 50

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.

“Constipation becomes more common with age, although getting older doesn’t automatically mean getting constipated,” says Dr Douglas Weine, a gastroenterologist. Instead, there are certain situations that are more common in people over 50 than in younger people, and they 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-fibre diet, inadequate fluid intake, lack of physical activity, medication side effects and chronic medical conditions that slow down gut motility,” explains Dr Ritu Nahar, a gastroenterologist. While some of these, such as a low-fibre 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. Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show 31 per cent of people aged 18 to 24 meet the physical activity guidelines, but that drops to 22 per cent at ages 35 to 44, 18 per cent at 45 to 54 and 16 per cent at 55 to 64. 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 83 per cent of Australians aged 55 to 64 were dispensed at least one subsidised prescription medicine in 2022, and 33 per cent were dispensed five or more, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, this can drastically increase the likelihood that they’ll 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 neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke and motor neurone disease.

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 aren’t affected by ageing – 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 affected by ageing 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 more than twice as likely to have 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 you 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 about 2.1 litres a day if you’re a woman and 2.6 litres if you’re a man
• Aim to eat 25 to 35 grams of fibre daily, gradually increasing your intake with foods like fruit, vegetables, beans and wholegrains
• Exercise regularly
• Talk to your doctor about any medications 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 it 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 a long way towards helping you maintain healthy bowel function as you age.