It can happen to anyone, but is very common in older people. At least 1 out of 10 people age 65 or older suffers from incontinence. It is a condition that rages from mild leakage to uncontrollable and embarrassing wetting.
Urinary incontinence is a major health problem because it can lead to disability and dependency.
Many people with incontinence pull away from their family and friends. They try to hide the problem from everyone, even their doctors. The good news is that in most cases urinary incontinence can be treated and controlled, if not cured. The bad news is that caregivers may not know that treatment is a choice. They may think that nursing home care is the only answer for an older person with incontinence.