1. Old age

As we age, the bladder becomes either weaker or overactive. The pelvic floor muscles also get weaker, especially in women who have borne children. When the bladder and these muscles are not functioning normally, they may relax without warning and cause urine to leak. 

2. Underlying medical conditions

Some elderly patients suffer from medical conditions which damage nerves that control the bladder. Examples include Diabetes mellitus, stroke, Parkinson's disease and other conditions that affect the brain or nerves. There are also other issues that can affect an elderly's mobility such as arthritis or frailty, which make it difficult for them to get to the toilet in time.

3. Constipation

The elderly may face difficulties with chewing and swallowing, and thus avoid fibre-rich diet such as fruits and vegetables. Some elderly also do not drink sufficient water because of the inconvenience of having to visit the toilet too often. These can lead to constipation. When the bowel is too full because of constipation, it puts pressure on the bladder and can affect the pelvic floor muscles, causing involuntary urine leakage.

4. Urinary tract infection

Urinary incontinence can be a symptom of urinary tract infections, which the elderly are more prone to.

5. Enlargement of the prostate gland (for men)

The prostate gland is located just below the bladder in men. An enlarged prostate, which is a common condition in elderly men, may put pressure on the urethra (which carries urine out of the body) and block the natural flow of urine.

Read on for tips to cope with urinary incontinence.