Which age group is at higher risk for urinary incontinence?

Elderly individuals are at a higher risk for urinary incontinence primarily due to age-related changes in the body's systems and the potential presence of chronic medical conditions. As people age, they may experience a decline in bladder function, include weakened pelvic floor muscles, and increased occurrences of urinary tract infections, which can all contribute to incontinence. Furthermore, neurological conditions such as stroke or dementia, which are more prevalent in older adults, can further impair bladder control.

In contrast, young adults typically have healthy bladder function and are less likely to experience incontinence. Children may have temporary bedwetting or developmental issues leading to incontinence, but these are often outgrown as they mature. Middle-aged men face specific risks associated with prostate health, but the overall incidence of urinary incontinence is still generally less than that observed in elderly individuals. Thus, elderly individuals represent the group most frequently affected by urinary incontinence due to a combination of physiological aging and associated health challenges.