title: Managing constipation requires a focus on education and assessment.
abstract: Constipation is not an inevitable consequence of ageing; however, pathologies more common in later life make it appear more prevalent in older people. Medication can cause constipation by slowing peristaltic contractions in the bowel. Environmental factors affecting constipation include the height of the toilet which affects the ability to have both feet on the floor to aid emptying of the rectum, lack of privacy, and seating comfort on the toilet. Using commodes at the bedside can cause people to hold on to faeces for fear of making a smell or sound. Some patients ignore the rectal sensation because of difficulty with mobility or because carers are not available at the right time. The longer the stool remains in the rectum the more water content is reabsorbed resulting in a harder stool.