Children may withhold their stools for other reasons as well. Some find it inconvenient to use toilets outside the home. Also, severe emotional stress caused by family crises or difficulties at school may cause children to withhold their stools. In these instances the periods between bowel movements may become quite long, in some cases lasting longer than 1 or 2 weeks. These children may develop fecal impactions, a situation where the stool is packed so tightly in the bowel that the normal pushing action of the bowel is not enough to expel the stool spontaneously.
Older adults are five times more likely than younger adults to report problems with constipation.
Poor diet, insufficient intake of fluids, lack of exercise, the use of certain drugs to treat other conditions, and poor bowel habits can result in constipation. Experts agree, however, that too often older people become overly concerned with having a bowel movement and that constipation is frequently an imaginary ailment. Diet and dietary habits can play a role in developing constipation. In addition, loss of teeth may force older people to choose soft, processed foods, which also tend to be low in fiber. Older people sometimes cut back on fluids, especially if they are not eating regular or balanced meals.