Urinary incontinence in the elderly: a growing problem that needs attention

An increasing proportion of the population is reaching old age and, as a result, conditions such as incontinence that were often not discussed publicly in the past are receiving broader attention. The prevalence of incontinence increases with age and with declining health. Elderly women with incontinence require careful evaluation and management because of their associated medical problems, decline in cognitive function, and limitations of resources. Both conservative and surgical treatments can be very successful, even in the very elderly.