[Incontinence in the elderly]

Due to the continuing increase in the share of elderly people in our population, dysfunctions of the lower urinary tract, often involving urinary incontinence or urinary retention, are becoming more and more widespread. The prevalence of age-related urinary incontinence is approximately 30% and occurs in women twice as often as in men. Multiple morbidity, multiple medication, age-related immobility, as well as a reduction of cerebral performance are cofactors, which can have a negative impact on urinary storage and micturition. An additional aspect is the aging process of the bladder and the sphincter as well as their central control mechanisms. As yet too little is known about this aging process. The complexity of age-related urinary dysfunctions requires specific strategies with respect to diagnostics and therapy, differing from strategies applied in younger patients. In order to decide on the best possible treatment, it is important to consider the sex of the patient, the degree of patient compliance, the question of whether he is looked after at home or in an institution, the feasibility of the therapy, and finally, to make a realistic estimation of the improvement that can be expected in his quality of life.