Constipation: endemic in the elderly? Gerontopathophysiology, evaluation, and management.

Chronic constipation in the elderly is most likely a consequence of lifelong patterns of bowel and dietary habits and laxative use along with the interaction of pathophysiologic (from chronic diseases) and, perhaps, senescent changes in gut motility. Gerontopathophysiologic changes of gut motility, the evaluation of, and a step-care approach to the management of constipation are discussed.