Final answer:
Urinary incontinence, more common in the elderly, can be due to an enlarged prostate in men, and stress or urge incontinence in women. Various treatments, including exercises, medication, and sometimes surgery, are available. Contributing factors in the elderly include weak immune systems, neurological conditions, and chronic diseases like diabetes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Urinary incontinence is a chronic condition that involves the uncontrolled leakage of urine, which becomes more common as individuals age. It's important to note that while it's common, there are still many treatments available for incontinence in older patients. In individuals with male anatomy, an enlarged prostate gland is a common cause, while in genetically female individuals, the causes can include stress incontinence and urge incontinence.
Stress incontinence, often resulting from the stretching of pelvic floor muscles during childbirth, leads to urine leakage during activities that increase abdominal pressure. Treatments may involve Kegel exercises or surgery. Urge incontinence, or "overactive bladder," results from uncontrolled bladder muscle contractions, leading to large amounts of urine leakage with little to no warning. Treatments for urge incontinence can include medication to relax the bladder muscle.
Furthermore, in the elderly, factors like bladder infections, diabetes, obesity, neurological conditions (like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease), and weakened immune systems contribute to increased incidence and risk of urinary incontinence.