HEALTH
Constipation is common in older people, with infrequent, delayed, and difficult-to-pass bathroom habits. Constipation in the elderly is commonly treated with laxatives. While they are helpful, they have been linked to weight loss and a lower quality of life. Oat bran, the fiber-rich outer layer of the grain, has been shown in studies to help reduce constipation in the elderly.
In one study, 30 elderly patients who ingested an oat bran-based soup or dessert for 12 weeks felt better. Furthermore, following the 3-month research, 59 percent of those patients ceased using laxatives.