The Benefits of Using the Toilet in the Proper Position

A Natural Approach to Digestive Comfort for Adults 55+

As we age, digestion and elimination often become more challenging. Many adults over 55 experience constipation, incomplete bowel movements, or discomfort caused by straining. While diet and hydration are commonly discussed, toilet posture is an often-overlooked factor that plays a major role in digestive health.

Using the toilet in the proper position—a squat-like posture—can significantly improve comfort, efficiency, and overall well-being. Tools such as the Squatty Potty are designed to help adults of all ages achieve this position safely and easily.

Why Toilet Position Matters More After 55

The human body was designed to eliminate waste in a squatting position. However, modern toilets place the body in a seated posture that bends the colon, making elimination more difficult.

For adults 55 and older, this can be especially problematic due to:

• Slower digestion

• Reduced muscle tone

• Increased risk of constipation

• Greater sensitivity to straining

A proper toilet posture helps align the body naturally, making bowel movements easier and more complete.

Key Benefits of Proper Toilet Positioning for Older Adults

1. Reduced Constipation and Easier Bowel Movements

Raising the feet and placing the knees above the hips helps straighten the rectum, allowing stool to pass more freely. Many older adults report:

• Less pushing and straining

• Shorter bathroom visits

• More complete elimination

Using a footstool like the Squatty Potty can help relieve mild to moderate constipation without medication.

2. Less Straining, Less Risk

Straining increases pressure on the abdomen and pelvic floor, which can contribute to:

• Hemorrhoids

• Anal fissures

• Hernias

• Pelvic floor weakness

Proper positioning allows the body to relax and function naturally, reducing unnecessary stress during elimination.

3. Improved Digestive and Gut Health

Incomplete bowel movements can lead to bloating, gas, and discomfort. Proper posture supports smoother waste elimination, which may help improve overall digestive regularity—an important factor in maintaining comfort and confidence as we age.

4. Support for Pelvic Floor Health

Pelvic floor health becomes increasingly important with age. Excessive straining can weaken these muscles over time. A squat-style posture helps the pelvic floor relax rather than resist, supporting long-term muscle health for both men and women.

5. Reduced Risk of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are common in adults over 55 and are often linked to chronic straining. By making bowel movements easier and more natural, proper toilet positioning may help prevent flare-ups and irritation.

Why the Squatty Potty Works Well for Adults 55+

The Squatty Potty is a popular and trusted brand designed to promote healthier bathroom posture. It is especially helpful for older adults because it:

• Elevates the feet safely and comfortably

• Fits around most standard toilets

• Is lightweight and easy to move

• Requires no installation or bathroom remodeling

It’s a simple, non-invasive way to improve daily comfort and support digestive health.

A Simple Change with Lasting Benefits

For adults 55 and older, small lifestyle adjustments can make a meaningful difference in quality of life. Improving toilet posture is an easy, affordable, and natural step toward better digestion and reduced discomfort.

When combined with proper hydration, fiber intake, and regular movement, using the toilet in the proper position—supported by tools like the Squatty Potty—can help promote healthier, more comfortable bathroom habits well into the later years.