Chapter 30: Urinary Incontinence in the Elderly

The prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) increases with age. Moderate to severe UI affects 7% of women 20 to 39 yr of age, 17% 40 to 59 yr of age, 23% 60 to 79 yr of age, and 32% 80 yr of age.1 The prevalence in men is approximately one third that of women, until it equalizes in the ninth decade. Nursing home residents have especially high rates of UI, ranging from 60 to 78% in women and 45 to 72% in men. The primary impact of UI is on quality of life, including self-concept, self-esteem, and the burden of coping. Economic costs of UI continue to rise, adding an estimated $6 billion annually to the cost of caring for older Americans.2