Why is it easy to get constipated as I get older? Constipation is a chronic condition that plagues many older adults. Why is this? The main reasons are as follows: 1. With age, daily physical work or exercise is reduced, coupled with chewing and stomach digestive function is weakened, the intestinal secretion of digestive juices is reduced, gastrointestinal peristalsis is slowed, resulting in a slow metabolism, the cycle of food into waste out of the body is extended. At this time, the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles are weak, and the tone of the anal sphincter is also weakening, so the signals received by the stomach and colon reflex zones are weakened, resulting in a decrease in sensitivity, which causes food to stay in the intestines for too long, resulting in excessive absorption of water, which can cause constipation. He Yinghua, Department of Anorectal Medicine, Guang’anmen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2, certain physical or mental diseases can also cause constipation. For example, Alzheimer’s disease and mental depression can cause the gastrointestinal reflex to weaken, resulting in weakened bowel function, thus causing constipation. 3, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and other diseases, in the development process will also have different degrees of impact on the digestive system, which will lead to constipation. 4, long-term use of certain drugs, such as sedative psychotropic drugs, iron for the treatment of anemia, etc., can also cause constipation. Exercise to relieve constipation, healthier and longer Reasonable exercise helps promote intestinal blood supply and colon peristalsis, which can play a role in relieving functional constipation. If an elderly person has constipation, in addition to taking medication under the guidance of a doctor, they can also choose the right type of exercise to relieve constipation according to their own situation. Exercise one or two hours a day, as long as you do not feel fatigue. This is a healthier and more permanent solution than taking medication. 1.Walking, jogging, swimming Walking, jogging and swimming are the most suitable exercises for elderly people who have a good physical foundation. You should note that the intensity of the exercise should not be too great, unless you are a long-distance runner or swimmer who has stuck to it for many years. Generally speaking, 2-3 times a week is enough, at the same time, you can do some less intense exercise to assist, such as walking and doing exercises and so on. Remind you that, from the safety point of view, it is not recommended for the elderly to exercise on the treadmill. After all, a long time of uniform motion is a big stimulus to the knee joint. In addition, please choose the right sports shoes and sports equipment, which is necessary to ensure safety. 2, aerobics, square dance, yoga This category belongs to the collective activities, not only can regulate the mood, but also can increase the amount of exercise, promote intestinal peristalsis, a multi-benefit. Suitable for what people? If you have just retired or depressed mood, we recommend you to participate in this type of exercise. In the fitness at the same time, communicate with each other, soothe the emotions, and get both physical and mental health. 3, table tennis, badminton, gateball These three ball sports are competitive sports, not only to coordinate the movement of the hands, eyes and feet, but also to exercise to the whole body muscles, the exercise effect is also particularly good: can enhance muscle strength, stimulate gastrointestinal peristalsis, promote food metabolism, reduce food retention, prevent constipation …… However, before exercise must do adequate preparatory activities to prevent strains and sprains in sports. (4) Taijiquan, Ba Duan Jin, Qigong Traditional Chinese medicine fitness Qigong, most of the “calm and void, less thought and less desire” “to adjust the spirit of refining” method. Together with abdominal breathing and spinal exercises, it can achieve psychological balance, play a squeezing massage effect on internal organs, thus improving the blood circulation of digestive organs such as the stomach and intestines, promoting the peristalsis of digestive organs and the secretion of digestive glands, in order to improve the function of the digestive system. These exercises are soothing and calm, cultivating the body and mind, and are ideal for the elderly.