Why Do Old People Fart So Much?

Flatulence, also known as farting, is the expulsion of gas from the rectum. It’s a normal bodily function that everyone experiences. However, older adults tend to experience more frequent flatulence than younger people. There are several reasons why flatulence becomes more common as we age.

Older adults tend to experience more frequent flatulence due to several factors such as a slower digestive process which allows more time for fermentation by gut bacteria, aging metabolism that results in unused food being fermented into gas, and weakened muscle tone that can trap gas and cause involuntary expulsion.

Dietary changes in seniors, like increased fiber and calcium intake, or the ingestion of certain medications and dietary supplements can also contribute to excess gas production.

Other contributing factors include the deterioration of digestive enzymes efficiency and worsening food sensitivities and intolerances that lead to increased fermentation and subsequently, more gas.

What is Flatulence?

Flatulence is caused by excess gas in the digestive tract. This gas is produced as a byproduct of digestion. Specifically, it’s caused by:

• Swallowed air while eating or drinking
• Gas diffusion in the intestine 
• Production of gas by gut bacteria 

The average person passes gas around 15 times per day, though this can vary greatly between individuals. 

Gas builds up in the intestines until it’s eventually expelled through the anus. The sounds and odors associated with flatulence are produced as the anal sphincter opens to release the gas.

While passing gas may be considered impolite in social settings, it’s a perfectly normal and healthy bodily function. In fact, holding in gas can lead to bloating, discomfort, and other issues.

Why Do Older Adults Fart More?

There are several factors that contribute to increased flatulence in seniors:

Changes in Digestion

As we age, our digestive system slows down. Food moves more slowly through the digestive tract, allowing more time for fermentation by gut bacteria. This leads to increased gas production.

The digestive enzymes we produce also become less efficient at breaking down food. Undigested food particles can linger in the intestines and get fermented, again resulting in more gas.

Changes in Metabolism

Our metabolism naturally slows down as we get older. This means the body extracts less nutrition and energy from food. The unused calories from food end up being fermented in the colon, forming gases like methane and hydrogen.

A slower metabolic rate directly correlates with more flatulence.

Changes in Muscle Tone

The muscles involved in digestion lose tone and strength over time. This includes the muscles of the intestines and the anal sphincter. 

Weaker intestinal muscles mean there’s less force to move food and gas through the digestive tract. Gas gets trapped more easily, leading to bloating and flatulence.

A weaker anal sphincter also means it’s more difficult to hold in gas until an appropriate time. This results in more frequent involuntary flatulence.

Diet

Seniors often have different diets than younger adults. Some common changes include:

• More fiber intake to prevent constipation
• More calcium to protect bone health
• More supplements like vitamins and minerals

Fiber and supplements can produce excess gas during digestion. Calcium supplements in particular are known to cause significant gas and bloating.

Some seniors also have food sensitivities and intolerances that get worse with age. Lactose intolerance and gluten sensitivity are prime examples. The indigestible components of dairy and grains get fermented by gut bacteria, producing gas.

Medications

Seniors take more prescription medications than younger people. Many common meds have flatulence as a side effect, including:

• Diabetes drugs like metformin
• Blood pressure meds like ACE inhibitors
• Antidepressants like SSRIs
• Osteoporosis drugs like alendronate
• Over-the-counter antacids 

Laxatives and other treatments for constipation can also cause bloating and flatulence. The laxative stimulates the intestines, which produces gas.

How to Reduce Flatulence in Older Adults

While some gas is inevitable, there are ways for seniors to minimize excessive flatulence:

Avoid Foods that Cause Gas

Some foods are more prone to causing bloating and gas. Limiting these foods can provide some relief:

• Beans, lentils, soybeans
• Dairy products if lactose intolerant
• Cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower 
• Fruits like apples, peaches, pears
• Carbonated beverages
• Foods with sugar alcohols like sorbitol and xylitol
• High FODMAP foods

Take Over-the-Counter Medications

There are a number of OTC medications that can help reduce gas production and associated discomfort:

• Digestive enzyme supplements to improve breakdown of food
• Probiotics to support the good bacteria in your gut
• Simethicone to break up gas bubbles
• Activated charcoal to trap intestinal gas
• Beano to breakdown indigestible carbohydrates 

These provide temporary relief but don’t address the underlying causes of excessive flatulence.

Do Kegel Exercises

Kegel exercises strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor, including the anal sphincter. This makes it easier to hold in gas voluntarily. 

Kegels involve contracting and releasing the muscles used to stop urination. Doing sets of 10 reps, 3 times per day can strengthen these muscles.

This can help reduce accidental passing of gas in social situations. However, holding in gas for too long can lead to bloating and discomfort. 

Conclusion

Flatulence is a perfectly normal bodily function. However, various factors cause seniors to pass gas more frequently than younger adults.

Changes in digestion, metabolism, muscle tone, diet, and medications all contribute to increased gas production as we age. Certain foods, supplements, and medical conditions also play a role. 

While excess flatulence can be embarrassing, there are steps seniors can take to minimize symptoms. This includes dietary changes, over-the-counter medications, and Kegel exercises.

With the right prevention strategies, older adults can still enjoy their golden years while avoiding excessive and uncomfortable gas. Paying attention to diet, staying active, and speaking with a doctor can help identify the causes of increased flatulence.

Frequently Asked Questions