CONSTIPATION EDUCATION WITH MiraLAX®

Constipation in the
Elderly

Tips on Preventing and Relieving
Occasional Constipation

CONSTIPATION EDUCATION
WITH MiraLAX®

Constipation
in the Elderly

Tips on Preventing and
Relieving Occasional Constipation

The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment.

Just when you want to be enjoying hobbies, traveling, socializing and more, constipation can put the brakes on. It’s a common problem – especially for older adults who have an underlying illness, mobility issues or take certain medications.

Understanding the causes of constipation and knowing some tips for preventing and relieving it can keep it from affecting your quality of life.

The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment.
 

Just when you want to be enjoying hobbies, traveling, socializing and more, constipation can put the brakes on. It’s a common problem – especially for older adults who have an underlying illness, mobility issues or take certain medications.

Understanding the causes of constipation and knowing some tips for preventing and relieving it can keep it from affecting your quality of life.

Signs of constipation

 

Signs of constipation

 

miralax-no1-icon-70x118.jpg

Fewer than three bowel movements a week

miralax-no1-icon-32x49.jpg

Fewer than three bowel movements a week

miralax-no2-icon-95x141.jpg

Straining or discomfort when you pass stools that are hard, solid and lumpy

miralax-no2-icon-32x49.jpg

Straining or discomfort when you pass stools that are hard, solid and lumpy

miralax-no3-icon-76x146.jpg

A constant feeling of fullness, abdominal bloating and pain

miralax-no3-icon-32x49.jpg

A constant feeling of fullness, abdominal bloating and pain

miralax-no4-icon-62x142.jpg

Not feeling like you’ve properly emptied your bowels

miralax-no4-icon-32x49.jpg

Not feeling like you’ve properly emptied your bowels

miralax-holding-stomach-constipation-in-older-people-desktop-727x484.jpg

Constipation in Seniors:
Why is it more common?

So what are the causes for constipation in the elderly? As we age, our digestion and metabolism slow down. We might be exercising less often and delay how quickly we get to the toilet when there’s an urge to pass a stool. Combine these factors with not consuming enough dietary fiber and fluids, and occasional constipation becomes more likely. There are also other physical conditions and medications that can cause it.

Constipation in Seniors: Why is it more common?

So what are the causes for constipation in the elderly? As we age, our digestion and metabolism slow down. We might be exercising less often and delay how quickly we get to the toilet when there’s an urge to pass a stool. Combine these factors with not consuming enough dietary fiber and fluids, and occasional constipation becomes more likely. There are also other physical conditions and medications that can cause it. Small diet changes can make a big difference in your fiber intake.

miralax-holding-stomach-constipation-in-older-people-desktop-727x484.jpg

Tips on preventing
constipation in the elderly

Making some lifestyle changes, along with taking constipation medication
if needed, are the main ways of preventing and relieving symptoms.

Keep moving
and stay regular

Movement isn’t just good for your bones and muscles. It stimulates the colon and keeps it in good shape – helping how efficiently you eliminate waste. Talk to your doctor about incorporating some form of exercise into your daily routine. And get into a habit of going to the bathroom at the same time each day – preferably after breakfast, when an internal reflex reaction to eating helps wake up sluggish bowels.

Tips on preventing constipation in
the elderly

Making some lifestyle changes, along with taking constipation medication if needed, are the main ways of preventing and relieving symptoms.

Keep moving
and stay regular

Movement isn’t just good for your bones and muscles. It stimulates the colon and keeps it in good shape – helping how efficiently you eliminate waste. Talk to your doctor about incorporating some form of exercise into your daily routine. And get into a habit of going to the bathroom at the same time each day – preferably after breakfast, when an internal reflex reaction to eating helps wake up sluggish bowels.

Eat enough dietary
fiber

The benefits of a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables and fruit soon make themselves felt. This is because high-fiber foods are packed with nutrients and insoluble fiber that bulks the stool and prompts the urge to go. Remember to increase the amount of fiber gradually to prevent cramps, bloating and excess gas.

Eat enough dietary fiber

The benefits of a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables and fruit soon make themselves felt. This is because high-fiber foods are packed with nutrients and insoluble fiber that bulks the stool and prompts the urge to go. Remember to increase the amount of fiber gradually to prevent cramps, bloating and excess gas.

 

Top up on water

When you get older, the sensation of thirst lessens, and you might not notice becoming dehydrated. This is why it’s vital to drink enough fluids – preferably water – to keep your gut balanced and functioning well. If you’ve increased the amount of fiber in your diet, you’ll need to drink more fluids.

Top up on water

When you get older, the sensation of thirst lessens, and you might not notice becoming dehydrated. This is why it’s vital to drink enough fluids – preferably water – to keep your gut balanced and functioning well. If you’ve increased the amount of fiber in your diet, you’ll need to drink more fluids.

If making dietary and lifestyle changes still aren’t doing the trick, ask your doctor about taking MiraLAX® – the #1 recommended laxative brand by doctors and gastroenterologists. It is an osmotic laxative that works naturally with the water in your body to relieve occasional constipation without harsh side effects such as bloating, cramping or sudden urgency.

Talk to a healthcare professional


If making dietary and lifestyle changes still aren’t doing the trick, ask your doctor about taking MiraLAX® – the #1 recommended laxative brand by doctors and gastroenterologists. It is an osmotic laxative that works naturally with the water in your body to relieve occasional constipation without harsh side effects such as bloating, cramping or sudden urgency.

If making dietary and lifestyle changes still aren’t doing the trick, ask your doctor about taking MiraLAX® – the #1 recommended laxative brand by doctors and gastroenterologists. It is an osmotic laxative that works naturally with the water in your body to relieve occasional constipation without harsh side effects such as bloating, cramping or sudden urgency.


Talk to the healthcare professional

If making dietary and lifestyle changes still aren’t doing the trick, ask your doctor about taking MiraLAX® – the #1 recommended laxative brand by doctors and gastroenterologists. It is an osmotic laxative that works naturally with the water in your body to relieve occasional constipation without harsh side effects such as bloating, cramping or sudden urgency.