Why Do Old People Fart So Much? [+ How To Manage It]

Why Do Old People Fart So Much? Key Points

• Older adults fart more often due to slower metabolism, weaker intestinal muscles, and medication side effects
• Talk to your elderly loved one’s doctor if their farting causes pain or interferes with their daily routine
• Elderly individuals can manage excessive flatulence by adjusting their diet, eating slowly, and spotting medication triggers

Did you know that passing gas 14 to 23 times a day is considered normal?

While it often goes unnoticed, many people (even older adults) feel embarrassed talking about it.

In fact, seniors tend to pass gas more frequently due to age-related changes like slower digestion and medication side effects.

In this article, we will:

• Answer why do old people fart so much
• Highlight symptoms that may indicate a more serious issue
• Offer helpful tips for managing excessive gas in seniors

Why Do Old People Fart So Much?

As we age gracefully, the digestive system naturally slows down, which can lead to more gas. A slower metabolism means food takes longer to move through the digestive tract, giving it more time to ferment and produce gas.

At the same time, the stomach produces less acid, making it more difficult to break down food efficiently. Weaker digestive muscles can slow gut movement, which may lead to more gas.

Other causes of excessive flatulence in the elderly include:

• Medication side effects: Drugs like opioids and iron supplements can cause constipation, while antibiotics can disrupt gut bacteria, both of which can lead to more gas.
• Reduced digestive enzymes: Aging can lower lactase production, making it harder to digest dairy. This often leads to lactose intolerance, which causes gas, bloating, and discomfort after eating milk, cheese, or ice cream.
• Less physical activity: Elderly individuals tend to move less, which can slow down digestion. When food stays in the colon longer, it gives bacteria more time to break it down, producing more gas in the process.

What Counts as Excessive Flatulence in the Elderly?

If you’re passing gas more than 23 times a day, especially if it’s painful or disrupting your daily life, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor.

When Gas Might Be a Sign of Something More Serious

While passing gas is usually harmless, it can sometimes signal a more serious issue.

Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing more gas than usual along with any of the following symptoms:

• Intense or persistent stomach pain
• Frequent heartburn
• Nausea or vomiting
• Chronic constipation
• Ongoing diarrhea
• Unexplained weight loss
• Bloody stools

How To Manage Excessive Flatulence in the Elderly

In many cases, you can ease excessive gas at home with a few simple lifestyle changes, often without needing to see a doctor.

• Watch for bloating triggers: Foods like beans, broccoli, cabbage, dairy, and carbonated drinks often cause bloating. Cut back on them one at a time to identify what’s causing discomfort.
• Monitor dairy intake: Lactose intolerance often develops with age. Try lactose-free products or use lactase supplements to aid digestion.
• Avoid artificial sweeteners: Ingredients like sorbitol and xylitol, found in sugar-free gum and snacks, can cause gas and bloating.
• Perform mindful eating habits: Eat slowly and chew thoroughly to minimize the amount of air swallowed during meals. Try not to talk while chewing, as this can increase air intake and lead to bloating.
• Support an active lifestyle: A short walk after meals, around 10 to 15 minutes, can help stimulate digestion and ease gas buildup. Gentle daily activities like chair exercises, light stretching, or tai chi can also support healthy digestion and keep things moving.
• Establish a consistent bathroom routine: Drink plenty of water and eat fiber-rich foods like oatmeal, pears, and whole grains to stay regular and reduce gas.
• Use a toilet stool: A small footstool in the bathroom can make bowel movements easier and more comfortable by creating an angle that helps open the rectal canal.
• Try biofeedback therapy to relax pelvic muscles: If you strain during bowel movements, you may be unknowingly tightening your pelvic floor muscles. Biofeedback therapy uses sensors and visual cues to help you learn to relax and coordinate these muscles. It’s non-invasive and can be effective for chronic constipation. Ask your doctor if it’s a good option for you.
• Use gentle abdominal massage: Gently massaging your belly in a clockwise motion can help get digestion moving. Try it once or twice a day, especially before or after meals. Use light pressure and stop if you feel any discomfort.
• Add prebiotics and probiotics to your diet: Prebiotics, found in foods like bananas, oats, and garlic, help nourish gut bacteria, while probiotics from yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods like sauerkraut add more good bacteria to your system. Including both in your diet regularly, or taking doctor-recommended supplements, can support digestion and help prevent constipation.

There are also ways you can support your elderly loved one in managing uncomfortable gas, including:

• Track your loved one’s meals and symptoms: Keep a basic log of what your loved one eats, their activity level, and any digestive symptoms like gas or bloating. Over time, this can reveal helpful patterns and guide diet or lifestyle changes.
• Foster open communication: Approach conversations about digestive health with patience and respect to help your loved one feel comfortable and understood. Reducing embarrassment or anxiety can help your loved one feel more at ease, and that emotional comfort can also support better digestion.
• Review medications with a healthcare provider: Take time to review your loved one’s medications with their doctor or pharmacist. Some drugs can cause gas or slow digestion, and a simple adjustment might make a big difference.

Manage Excessive Flatulence With Always Best Care

Increased flatulence is common with age, but like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, leading some older adults to stay silent about it.

At Always Best Care, we approach these concerns with compassion and discretion, offering personalized support that helps seniors manage their health with dignity.

Our team focuses on comfort, nutrition, and daily routines, so elderly individuals can feel more at ease and maintain a better quality of life.

With over 250 locations across the U.S. and Canada, we’re committed to providing high-quality care that improves quality of life.

Our care services include:

• In-home care services: We provide personalized in-home care designed to support those managing IBS. This may include preparing meals that follow specific dietary needs, offering medication reminders, assisting with hygiene, and providing meaningful companionship.
• Skilled home health care services: In select locations, we create individualized care plans tailored to chronic conditions like IBS. Our skilled team delivers expert support to help manage symptoms and maintain overall wellness.
• Specialized home care services: To promote digestive health and safety, we offer specialized services such as personal emergency response systems and remote monitoring, giving families added peace of mind.
• Respite care services: If you need temporary relief from caregiving, we’re here to step in, whether for a few hours or an extended period. Our team can manage IBS-related needs so you can take time for yourself, knowing your loved one is in good hands.
• Dementia care services: We provide thoughtful care for seniors with dementia, with a focus on their comfort, safety, and emotional well-being.
• Senior living referral services: Our team can help you explore and choose senior living communities that match your loved one’s preferences, care needs, and location.
• Veterans assistance program: We’re proud to help veterans access care-related financial support programs in appreciation for their service.