Abstract: Constipation is a highly prevalent gastrointestinal functional disorder among the aging population. Its incidence increases with age, significantly impairing quality of life and predisposing patients to multiple complications. This review focuses on the etiological features, pathophysiological mechanisms, and recent advances in the diagnosis and management of constipation in the elderly. The causes are multifactorial, including inadequate dietary fiber intake, reduced physical activity, adverse drug effects, comorbid chronic conditions, and age-related decline in bowel function. Diagnosis should be based on the Rome Ⅳ criteria, aiming to exclude organic pathologies through comprehensive medical history collection, physiological function assessment, and evaluation of accompanying symptoms. Individualized and integrated management is essential, encompassing lifestyle modifications, pharmacological treatments, and surgical interventions when appropriate. Promising emerging options include probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and traditional Chinese medicine. Future studies should further explore the distinct mechanisms underlying constipation in the elderly and optimize clinical strategies for intervention.

Key words: aged, constipation, diagnosis and treatment