Seniors pass more gas as they age. This is in part due to their metabolism slowing down, which allows food to remain in the digestive system longer, creating excessive gas. Flatulence in seniors can be managed, however, and caregivers are urged to learn and share effective strategies.

What is flatulence?

Bacteria is abundant in the digestive system. The bacteria serve an important function, which is to produce nutrients for the body. At the same time, the bacteria create a large amount of digestive gas. The typical person produces four pints of gas every day.

People of all ages expel different types of gases, including methane, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide—through flatulence. Which of the various gases produced depends on several factors, such as the individual’s diet, the composition of their gut microbiome, and general health.

Passing gas, otherwise known as flatulence, happens when the digestive tract expels air, which travels through it and out of the rectum. Gas is passed by the average person at least 14 times per day, with some experiencing flatulence more often and others less. Flatulence is completely normal.

What are sources of gas?

Gas accumulates in the gastrointestinal tract in two ways. One is through the mouth, such as during eating, drinking, and speaking (during which the senior swallows saliva). The gas from these sources accumulates in the esophagus and escapes through the mouth.

As mentioned, the second source of gas is produced by the microorganisms in the stomach that break down food. This process of fermentation creates a byproduct known as gas. The senior expels these gases through the rectum, which is referred to as passing gas.

Certain foods are also responsible for creating the frequent passing of gas. These include fiber-rich foods, such as legumes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. It’s important to consume these healthy foods, as they maintain the digestive tract and regulate cholesterol and blood sugar.

Why do seniors experience excessive flatulence?

1. Slower Metabolism

The natural, age-related slowdown of the metabolism is thought to cause excessive flatulence in the elderly. As the food remains in the digestive system for extended lengths of time, more gas is created and expelled. Plus, the aging stomach produces fewer acids required to properly digest food.

2. Loss of Muscle Strength in the Digestive System

The muscles in a senior’s digestive system lose strength due to age. This loss of strength further slows down the digestive system and possibly leads to a greater frequency of flatulence. Seniors can also experience constipation, which produces more gas.

3. Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance can affect people of any age and is commonly experienced by older adults. This is because aging bodies produce less lactase, an enzyme needed to digest dairy products. Consuming cheese, yogurt, or milk can therefore cause a spike in flatulence in lactose intolerant seniors.

4. Medication Side Effects

Side effects of certain prescription medications are also responsible for elderly people tooting more often. Blood pressure medications and antibiotics, for example, can have a gassy effect. Some prescription drugs cause constipation or bloating, which subsequently leads to excessive gas.

5. Health Conditions

Some causes of flatulence are unrelated to age. A bowel obstruction, for instance, can cause seniors to release more gas. Similarly, diseases, such as diabetes, ulcerative colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease, are also possible causes of excessive flatulence in the elderly.

6. Difficulty Eating

Due to dental health issues, like tooth loss or dentures that do not fit properly, seniors can struggle to swallow food. As a result, these older adults tend to swallow more air. Swallowing more air introduces gases that accumulate in the body.

When should caregivers be concerned about gas?

Flatulence is a normal part of a senior’s everyday life. However, caregivers should be alert if she of changes in how much gas a senior passes is closely associated with changes in health. If bloating, pain, and diarrhea accompany the excessive flatulence, they may be symptoms of an underlying health condition.

The underlying diseases the aging person may be suffering from can be celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or irritable bowel syndrome. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth may be present when the older adult’s frequent gas is accompanied by the abovementioned symptoms.

How is excessive gas managed?

Reducing an elderly care recipient’s frequency of gas can be achieved through natural remedies. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water helps prevent constipation and the associated gas. Be aware that carbonated drinks can cause gas. Mint tea, however, can reduce gas.

Try to avoid serving the senior dairy—remember that lactose intolerance can begin at any age. Seniors are encouraged to slow down when they eat, chewing their food well and mindfully. Exercise regularly to prevent water retention and the buildup of gas in the large intestine.

When your aging loved one experiences excessive flatulence, a sense of humor is key. Also important is the compassionate elder care services from Assisting Hands Home Care. Our customized in-home care plan keeps the senior in your life healthy, comfortable, and safe.

We offer a wide range of non-medical care services that include help with personal hygiene, grocery shopping, light housekeeping, and pleasant companionship. Transportation and escort are provided to the doctor’s office, where seniors can discuss drugs without gassy side effects.

Caregivers prepare balanced meals and keep seniors hydrated throughout the day. We reduce excessive flatulence by avoiding serving gassy foods, like lentils and certain veggies. If the senior takes an over-the-counter medicine to help reduce gas, we provide timely medication reminders.

Home care services are flexible and range from post-hospitalization care to live-in care and 24-hour care. We offer overnight care, respite care, quality Alzheimer’s and dementia care as well as hospice care to ensure the senior remains comfortable at the final stage of life.

Whether your aging loved one aims to reduce excessive flatulence or would simply benefit from extra support at home, Assisting Hands Home Care is the solution for comprehensive senior home care. We serve older adults in The Village, Florida. Schedule a free in-home consult today at (352) 758-4512 to learn more.