Inclusion Criteria:  Long term care facility residents at the age of 65 or above. All participants give written informed consent. Participants must be available to complete the study and comply with study procedures  Exclusion Criteria:  Previous major surgery of the abdomen Use of PHGG in the 4 months prior to the study initiation Chronic constipation due to primary organic disorder of the large bowel e.g. neoplasia, post-radiation or inflammatory strictures On regular laxative treatment Patient with severe hypothyroidism Patients suffering from disease of the spine cord Subject receiving antibiotics within 3 month