This declining ability of the heart is one of the reasons older people have less capacity to do physical work. Studies indicate the risk of heart disease can be lowered by not smoking, exercising moderately and consistently, and following a moderate calorie and low-fat diet. Muscular changes affect elimination of waste when muscles relax and lose their tone. Urination may be more frequent. In men, enlargement of the prostate gland can reduce the size of the channel for urine.
Special surgery can remove part of the gland to allow a more normal flow of urine.
Infection problems may arise when urine remains in the bladder too long. Constipation is common for older people. It is caused by tissue changes that lead to sluggishness of the bowels. Preventive action includes drinking more liquids, getting more exercise, and eating more roughage. Copyright 2001 University of Missouri.