Incontinence in Elderly Adults: Causes and Management Tips

Incontinence in elderly adults may cause such a sudden, forceful urge to urinate that they don't have enough time to reach the toilet. Sneezing or coughing may sometimes even be enough to cause their urine to leak. It's a highly prevalent problem, affecting about three in ten older adults, according to HealthInAging.org.

While it may seem like a never-ending cycle, incontinence is treatable, and its symptoms are manageable with the right approaches. In some cases, it may even be reversible.

In this guide, the team of experts at Bennett Place Assisted Living, our senior living community in New Albany, IN, will explore incontinence among older adults. Read on to learn the top culprits behind this condition and what you can do to manage or reverse it.

What Causes Incontinence in Elderly Adults?

Incontinence in seniors can result from many factors; some are temporary and short-term (acute), while others are long-term (chronic). Here are the most common causes.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

UTIs are infections of the:

Bladder
Kidneys
Urethra
Ureters

In addition to being painful, they can also increase the need to urinate more frequently, raising the risk of urinary leakage.

UTIs are common, especially in women. According to the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 50% to 60% of women will acquire at least one over their lifetime.

The good news is that UTIs are treatable, and once treated, the constant urge to urinate also typically goes away.

Medications

Some drugs can have incontinence as a side effect. Examples are antidepressants and diuretics, which can affect bladder function and increase the need for and frequency of urinating. Diuretics prompt the body to increase the amount of urine it produces.

Chronic Constipation

Chronic constipation occurs when stool becomes hard and dry and accumulates in the bowel. An overfull bowel can press on the bladder, limiting the amount of urine it can store or making you feel like you need to urinate quickly.

Pelvic Floor Disorders

Pelvic floor disorders (PVD), also called pelvic floor dysfunction, can cause the pelvic floor muscles to become unable to relax. Instead, they maintain a tightened position. The tension can then cause problems like urine or fecal (poop) leakage.

While anyone, regardless of gender, can have PFD, women are at a higher risk due to factors like:

Pregnancy
Childbirth
Hormonal changes that occur during the menopausal stage

According to the University of Chicago Medicine, about one in three women will experience PFD in their lifetime. Urine and stook leakage are also among the most common symptoms, affecting about a quarter of women 20 or older with PFD.

Stroke

A stroke, or "brain attack," happens when there's an interference in the blood flow to the brain. It can result from a broken blood vessel or a blood clot. It's among the most conditions in the U.S., with 795,000 people in the U.S. experiencing one yearly, according to the U.S. CDC.

A stroke can result in incontinence by damaging the brain area responsible for bladder and bowel control and function. Such damage can cause the pelvic floor muscles to become weak, leading to the inability to control urine and stool properly.

Enlarged Prostate

In men, an enlarged prostate gland, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a typical cause of incontinence. The involuntary urine discharge can arise from the overactive bladder that BPH typically causes.

Yale Medicine reports that BPH is common among older men, with the prevalence rates increasing every decade of life:

50% among older male adults aged 51 to 60
70% among those between 60 to 69
About 80% of men 70 years or older

Treatment and Management for Incontinence in Elderly Adults

Treatment and management of urinary incontinence for better senior bladder health depend on the cause and severity. The general rule is that the safest, most straightforward treatments should always come first.

Treating the Underlying Cause

If incontinence is a symptom of medical conditions, treating them first is the top priority. For example, older adults with UTIs may need antibiotics to clear the infection and its symptoms (including incontinence). If the urinary leakage is due to a medication, replacing it with another medicine without the same side effect can help.

Mindful Diet

Soda and caffeinated drinks can make people more prone to UTIs, while a low-fiber diet can contribute to constipation.

So, by minimizing soda and caffeine intake, older adults can reduce their risk of incontinence-causing UTIs. They can also avoid constipation with healthy, balanced meals rich in fiber.

Exercises for Incontinence Management

Kegel exercises, also called pelvic muscle exercises, strengthen the muscles supporting the bladder. The stronger these muscles are, the better they can hold urine.

Medical Treatment

Urinary control solutions also take the form of prescription medications like anticholinergics and beta-3 agonists. In some cases, surgery may be necessary for incontinence due to a blockage caused by an enlarged prostate. There's also surgery for PFD.

Incontinence Care Products

Incontinence care products, such as pull-up pants or absorbent pads, absorb urine leaks. Wearing them can help seniors with incontinence stay dry and maintain dignity as they manage their condition.

Improving Elder Care Hygiene

Aging and continence care go hand in hand with hygiene and vice versa, as older adults with incontinence have elevated risks for skin problems, while poor hygiene can boost the risk of UTIs.

For older adults who experience difficulty bathing or going to the toilet, please know you can get compassionate personal care assistance. For example, Bennett Place Assisted Living, our senior living community in New Albany, IN, has a team of caring professional care providers who provide round-the-clock support for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and continence care.

Stop or Manage Incontinence for a Happier You

Incontinence in elderly adults can be debilitating, affecting their independence, mental and social well-being, and overall quality of life. Fortunately, it's treatable and manageable through mindful diet, exercise, medications, proper hygiene, and continence care.

If you or an older loved one has incontinence and needs compassionate care and support, we invite you to explore Bennett Place Assisted Living. Our senior living community in New Albany, IN, offers round-the-clock care and supportive services, chef-prepared meals, and exemplary on-site amenities.

Connect with us today to schedule your visit to our welcoming, pet-friendly community!