Chronic constipation affects up to 30% of adults over 60 and can seriously impair quality of life. Older adults in rural Ontario face added challenges in accessing specialized care, highlighting the need for sustainable, home-based solutions. This study explores whether a non-medical, dietary fiber-based intervention, using culturally appropriate, high-fiber foods, is a feasible and acceptable way to manage chronic constipation in older adults. The research will also examine how this food-first approach impacts healthcare use, including visits to gastrointestinal specialists.

This project will determine whether a non-pharmacological, food-based approach can reduce the burden of chronic constipation in rural older adults while improving comfort, quality of life, and access to care. If successful, it could offer a low-cost, sustainable strategy to reduce healthcare utilization and enhance independence among older individuals in underserved communities.