In a random sample of older people, frequency of bowel movement ranged from less than once in 3 days to more than twice daily. 71 % of men and 67 % of women had 1 bowel movement daily. 38 % of men and 50 % of women used laxatives. A significantly greater proportion of men over than under the age of 70 years used laxatives. No age effect was found in women. The use of laxatives diminished as frequency of bowel action increased.