The involuntary loss of control over the bladder or bowel— incontinence—sometimes affects older adults, who are understandably not eager to discuss such private matters. But with the right treatment and some lifestyle adjustments, this condition—very much a surmountable problem—can help the individual avoid the deeply undignified and restricting alternative of wearing Depends.
Common Causes of Incontinence in Older Adults
Older adults can become incontinent for a number of reasons, many of which are connected. The most prevalent causes of urinary incontinence among older adults have to do with weakened musculature of the pelvic floor due to ageing, as well as several medical conditions that are more likely to occur in the elderly.
Stress incontinence is the most prevalent form, where you might involuntarily pass some urine during certain physical movements (like sneezing), due to weak support. “Muscles and connective tissue can weaken due to ageing, and that’s part of the reason why stress incontinence is so common among older women,” explains Dr. Marie S. M. Davidson, an urogynecologist with Baycare Medical Group.
Effective Treatments for Incontinence
Although incontinence can be a source of distress, a number of effective incontinence treatments are available to significantly improve distressing symptoms. A person’s overall health, along with the type and severity of incontinence, will direct the choice of treatments.
Lifestyle Changes
Simple changes in living can produce large, beneficial effects on urinary incontinence:
- Fluid Management: Regulating the amount, timing, and even the types of fluids enjoyed can help manage the condition.
- Dietary Adjustments: The efforts to maintain a high-fibre diet and to manage the stools can decrease accidents related to bowel control.
- Scheduled Bathroom Visits: Schedules can be set, and better attention paid to the signals of the bladder and bowels, so that the incontinence is no longer under our control but is, instead, controlled in a way that conserves dignity for the person experiencing it.
Pelvic Floor Exercises
Exercises can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles to become even more effective than medications for the treatment of stress incontinence. The most widely known and practiced is Kegel exercises.
- Kegel Exercises: The fundamental Kegel exercise involves relaxing and tensing the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor consists of the muscles, ligaments, and fascia that stretch like a hammock from the pubic bone to the tailbone. The exercise can be modified, tensing only for the duration of a normal breath or “saying” the sound “ah” for the length of a note. More advanced variations of the Kegel exercise allow for “quick” tenses and “slow” relaxes.
Medical Devices and Surgical Interventions
Incontinence found in more serious cases may necessitate medical devices or surgical interventions:
- Vaginal Pessaries: These devices support the bladder in women and help reduce stress incontinence.
- Catheterization: Bladder control that is compromised to severe levels may require either intermittent or permanent catheterization.
- Surgical Options: Procedures such as sling operations or artificial sphincters may provide long-term relief for certain types of incontinence.
Urologists and pelvic floor specialists are part of the necessary core of professionals who can ensure effective and efficient treatment of incontinence.
Conclusion: Taking Control of Incontinence
Do not view incontinence as something that is bound to happen simply because of old age. We now know that a combination of behavioural, pharmacological, and physical treatments can help even the oldest of old regain their dignity.
If you are a caregiver and your person is experiencing involuntary urination or defecation, see an expert who handles this in specialised clinics. The situation is very hard and humiliating for your loved one, and it is absolutely necessary to start the conversation, get professional help, and find a way to stop or control this condition.