Constipation is a common issue among retirement-age individuals that can impact their quality of life. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to help prevent constipation in elderly loved ones and promote bowel regularity. Here are important tips to consider.
Encourage Hydration
Proper hydration is necessary for maintaining healthy bowel function. Encourage your loved one to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Dehydration can contribute to constipation, so make sure they have easy access to water and other hydrating beverages.
Promote Dietary Fiber Intake
A diet rich in fiber can help prevent constipation by promoting regular bowel movements. Encourage your loved one to consume fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. These foods add bulk to stools and help with smoother digestion.
Include Prunes or Prune Juice
Prunes and prune juice are natural laxatives that can often prevent constipation in elderly. Incorporate prunes into your loved one’s diet or offer prune juice as a regular beverage to help promote bowel regularity.
Encourage Regular Physical Activity
Encourage your loved one to engage in activities and events that involve walking, light exercise or yoga. Regular physical activity stimulates the digestive system and promotes bowel movements. Even gentle movements can help alleviate constipation.
Establish a Regular Bathroom Routine
Encourage your loved one to establish a regular bathroom routine, ideally after meals or at specific times during the day. Creating a consistent schedule can help regulate bowel movements and reduce the risk of constipation.
Provide Adequate Toilet Accessibility
Make sure that the toilet is easily accessible and comfortable for your loved one to use. Consider using raised toilet seats or installing grab bars to increase safety and convenience.
Manage Medication Side Effects
Certain medications can contribute to constipation as a side effect. Consult with your loved one’s healthcare provider to discuss possible alternatives or adjustments to medication dosage that may alleviate constipation.
Avoid Laxative Overuse
While laxatives can provide short-term relief from constipation, avoid relying on them excessively. Long-term use of laxatives can lead to dependency and may worsen constipation over time. Use laxatives under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Consider Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can promote digestive health and regularity. Discuss with your loved one’s doctor about incorporating probiotic-rich foods or supplements into their diet to support gut health.
Encourage Relaxation Techniques
Stress and anxiety can contribute to constipation. Encourage your elderly loved one to practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation or gentle yoga to reduce stress levels and promote overall well-being.
Consult with Healthcare Professionals
If constipation persists despite using preventive measures, consult with your loved one’s healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. Chronic constipation may require medical intervention or additional testing to identify underlying causes.
Delicious, Nutritious Meals for Healthy Aging
Struggling to make sure your retirement-age loved ones get the proper nutrition they need? Look no further than our chef-prepared meals, just one aspect of our standard services and amenities.
Our experienced chefs work closely with nutritionists to create balanced, fiber-rich meals that are not only delicious but also support digestive health and regularity. From nutrient-dense smoothies to wholesome entrees and fiber-packed desserts, we prioritize proper nutrition to help prevent constipation and promote overall well-being.
Don’t let constipation and improper nutrition hold your loved ones back. Call our community at 732-774-1316 today to schedule a tour and discover how our chef-prepared meals and resident-focused community can enrich their quality of life. Or use our online form for a prompt response.
