title: People with faecal incontinence do not often seek help or use aids.
abstract: Faecal incontinence in old age is a common condition and influences daily life to a great extent, although few people actually seek medical help. Faecal incontinence affects the quality of life of many older people but is surrounded by taboo and so is little investigated. Past studies show that most sufferers have treatable conditions and that many cases are associated with haemorrhoids, constipation and taking stool softener.