As we age, our “gut” slows down and doesn’t work as well. Natural aging causes a slow down with digestion, and reduced fluid intake is also a problem (see below). Medications can also interfer with this - come may contribute to the constipation. The best way to deal with this is to eat easily digestible foods, like coffee - which actually speeds digestion, but also can cause heartburn, acid reflux and constipation, greasy foods, fried foods, many processed foods, those artificial sweeteners that people use to cut down on calories, corn, fruits with a lot of acid, raw vegi’s, except for those that are meant to eat raw like lettuce, chocolate (unfortunately), chili peppers. Probiotics are helpful for some people, but not everyone. Adding digestive enzymes can also help, but this requires a doctor prescription and it has to be used according to directions.
Fluid intake in the elderly - at 71, I have to remember to drink about 48 oz./day of water or other fluids that are easily digestible. Six eight ounce glasses. I actually keep track of this, because if I don’t there will be a problem with digestion in particular and with many other body processes, including brain function. If I feel like I am getting “fuzzy” in my thinking, a glass or two of water really helps. In fact, I have a thermos of cool water in front of me as I type this. Cool, but not cold - it is easier to swallow fluids which aren’t too cold.
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