My 91-yr old mother constantly talks about her bowels... Any suggestions?

My father would tell me about his LOUDLY in the middle of a restaurant. When I would freak out and say "Why are you telling me this!!!" He'd reply "well I thought you'd want to know". No matter how many times I made it clear I did not, it did not stop him. Prior to that all my father obsessed over was having or getting cancer. He never did but my mom did so his obsession.

Quite frankly they are bored. This is the only NEW thing that happens in their life every day and they want to share.

It’s a big topic! My mom does it too. Lots of older people do. My husband’s grandmother did it in fancy uptown restaurants!

It’s almost an obsession.

My Dad has been fixated on poop my entire life. As a child we had daily questioning about our regularity. I hated it and still do, especially as an adult with IBS, which he does not believe exists.

Do not worry about appearing to be insensitive and cutting off Mum's Poop talk. There is nothing wrong at all with saying, Mum I am not interesting in hearing about your BMs.

Unless she is constipated or has the runs, you do not need a play by play.

My dad has always been obsessed with it and now that I'm caring for him it is daily conversation!. My husband said his mom got like this too. I think this must be a big problem for them and important to their comfort.

LOL -- I thought this was just a guy thing. I have a husband and two sons, and it was relentless when the boys were growing up.

Just tell Mom "time and place, Ma."

I t is not at all unusual. My mother does not complain about her bowels, but I take care of her ostomy , she has a sigmoid colostomy, but my elderly cousin, she describes it to the very exact detail, it actually grosses me out. I change the subject and tell her to report it to her doctor. She could go on and on about her bowel health issues. I just keep changing the subject. Check to see if she is constipated, she might be uncomfortable and she may not be able to express it in words.