Urinary incontinence in older people is a common health issue, but still far too often taboo, and it can have a major impact on women’s and, of course, men’s quality of life. However, women are particularly affected by this condition, also known as bladder weakness. It is estimated that around 30% of women over 60 suffer from urinary incontinence, also called incontinence. Yet experiencing urinary leakage as a woman is by no means an inevitable consequence of ageing. Practical solutions exist at every stage of life to restore pelvic muscle function and protect your well-being.
In this article, we will cover 3 main points:
- Analyse the progression of urinary leakage: physiological mechanisms change at 20, 40 and 60 as you move through different gynaecological stages of life.
- Identify the impact of menopause: hormonal changes and weakening of connective tissue directly reduce the resilience of support tissues.
- Choose the connected Emy Trainer pelvic floor trainer: this innovative biofeedback medical device helps you train your pelvic floor effectively and in a fun way at home.
What is bladder weakness and why does urinary incontinence in women get worse with age?
Bladder weakness, or incontinence, is defined as the involuntary loss of urine. It is mainly linked to the pelvic floor muscles, which are often more heavily used in women than in men, especially with age.
Over the years, the natural elasticity of connective tissue decreases. This generalised muscle laxity affects the functioning of the urethral sphincter, which struggles to maintain a tight seal when abdominal pressure changes.
Ageing of the bladder also changes its compliance, increasing the risk of uncontrolled detrusor contractions. That is why urinary incontinence in women age progresses linearly, turning what were once occasional leaks into a more burdensome daily disability.
How do urinary leaks change over the course of life?
Incontinence is not a problem exclusive to older people, even if its frequency increases with ageing. Its mechanisms differ depending on the life stages of a woman.
At 20: the impact of elite sport and motherhood
At this age, muscle strength is theoretically intact. Yet stress urinary incontinence can appear during high-impact physical activities such as trampoline, gymnastics or running. Repeated jumping suddenly increases intra-abdominal pressure, placing strong pressure on the bladder. If the pelvic floor is not toned, involuntary leakage occurs without any prior need to urinate.
This is also the time of the first pregnancies. Having experienced a pregnancy and childbirth has a major impact on the pelvic floor muscles. During pregnancy and delivery via the vaginal route, they are stretched and weakened. Without targeted postnatal training to regenerate and strengthen the muscles, this can lead to long-term leakage.
At 40: cumulative pressure and the onset of urgency
In your forties, the cumulative effects of lifestyle start to be felt (lifting heavy loads, changes in weight, chronic constipation). It is often during this transitional period that urgency urinary incontinence appears, also called overactive bladder or urgency.
This phenomenon is characterised by a constant, sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate (an urgency). The bladder muscle undergoes an abnormal contraction, which sometimes prevents the patient from reaching the toilet in time. To explore this contractility mechanism in more detail, you can read our guide on overactive bladder and its solutions.
At 60 and over: the convergence of factors in seniors
This is the age at which prevalence peaks, affecting around one third of women. Seniors often face mixed incontinence, a condition combining stress leaks (when laughing, sneezing or during a bout of chronic cough) and urgency leaks, which can happen during the day or at night.
Biological ageing leads to general muscle loss (sarcopenia) that directly affects the sphincter, reducing overall sealing ability. These difficulties can severely affect social life and gradually lead to marked isolation and shame.
What is the direct link between menopause and incontinence?
The menopause is the main trigger factor behind worsening urinary leakage in women. During this biological transition, the body undergoes a marked hormonal shift with the stop in oestrogen production. Yet these hormones are essential to maintain the trophicity, flexibility and good blood supply of the urogenital tissues.
This deficiency causes a direct physiological chain effect:
- Thinning and dryness of the bladder and urethral lining (bladder atrophy).
- Reduced local blood supply, which impairs the ability of the urethral area to close tightly.
- Relaxation of the overall connective tissue that supports the organs in the pelvic cavity.
This lack of tone directly weakens the body’s natural continence mechanisms, making women much more vulnerable to leakage with the slightest effort or when an urgent need arises.
Causes and risk factors for urinary incontinence in older women
Different factors can contribute to the development of urinary incontinence in older people. These include hormonal changes linked to menopause, which can lead to weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. Physical strain such as lifting (too) heavy objects without using the correct technique or without the necessary muscle strength, as well as being overweight, can also increase the risk. In addition, certain surgical procedures, such as hysterectomies, and various conditions, including diabetes, can also have an influence.
What can you do about urinary incontinence in older people?
Managing urinary incontinence requires an individual approach. Conservative treatments, such as pelvic floor training and behaviour changes (for example, standing upright or using the correct technique to lift heavy objects), can already have a significant impact.
This is also true, and especially so, as a preventive measure. Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles can help you avoid incontinence.
But even if you already experience urinary leakage, it is worth seeing a doctor, physiotherapist or specialist to learn the right exercises for your pelvic floor. Pelvic floor exercises specifically strengthen the muscles responsible for bladder control. They can be done as Kegel exercises, using a pelvic floor trainer or under the supervision of a physiotherapist. Pelvic floor exercises are therefore an effective preventive measure against age-related urinary leakage.
Key takeaways:
Urinary incontinence in older people should not be accepted as an inevitable consequence of ageing. We need to raise greater awareness among women of the importance of pelvic floor strengthening exercises so they can take control and have the tools they need to protect their quality of life. And if you are already older, remember: it is never too late!
- Recognise that incontinence can be treated at any age: the pelvic floor muscle structures respond positively to training, even in the oldest seniors.
- See a doctor as soon as the first symptoms appear: this makes it possible to obtain an accurate diagnosis through a clinical examination or urodynamic testing, and to rule out a possible urinary tract infection.
- Choose the connected Emy Trainer pelvic floor trainer: this biofeedback technology solution enables effective, independent and fun pelvic floor training at home to help preserve your independence over the long term.
FAQ Urinary Leakage and Ageing: Answers to Your Questions
Why do urinary leaks happen as you get older?
With age, the pelvic floor muscles naturally weaken and the bladder loses elasticity. In women, menopause makes this worse: the drop in oestrogen relaxes the pelvic tissues, making bladder control harder during exertion or when you feel a sudden urge.
Are urinary leaks inevitable with age?
No, it is not inevitable! Although ageing weakens the pelvic floor, incontinence is still a symptom that can be treated. It is never too late to take action, strengthen your muscles and regain your comfort in daily life.
How can you stop age-related urinary leaks naturally?
The most effective solution is pelvic floor strengthening. By training your pelvic floor regularly, you rebuild a strong support under your bladder. Doing gentle activity (Pilates, walking) and regulating your bowel habits to avoid straining on the toilet also helps reduce leaks.
How can you do pelvic floor recovery at home?
The connected pelvic floor trainer Emy Trainer lets you do your pelvic floor training at home with guidance. Thanks to biofeedback, it shows your contractions in real time on your smartphone through simple games.
Our clinical trial shows that 98% of users regain a better quality of life after 3 months of use.
What everyday habits should you adopt to reduce leaks?
To help relieve your bladder and pelvic floor every day:
- Drink enough (1.5L of water a day), because restricting water irritates the bladder and increases leaks.
- Limit stimulants such as coffee, tea and alcohol.
- Brace your pelvic floor (contract it) just before you cough, laugh or lift something.
Who should you see when urinary leaks start to appear with age?
The first reflex is to talk to your GP or gynaecologist. They will refer you to a specialised healthcare professional (physiotherapist, midwife or urologist) for the right treatment.
Sources:
- Prospective evaluation of the connected biofeedback EMY Kegel trainer in the management of stress urinary incontinence, Jochum F et al., February 2022, Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics and Human Reproduction 51(2):102280. - link
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Rehabilitation Using Biofeedback, Diane Kaschak Newman, July 2014, Urologic Nursing 34(4):193-202. - link
- Diabetes and urinary disorders, Emmanuel Chartier-Kastler, Michel Averous, Benoît Barrou, Christophe Lopez, Jacques Moscovici, Franco Roman and Vincent Delmas, 2000, Progrès en Urologie 10:14-23. - link
- Urinary leakage: the impact of neurological diseases, HARTMANN Direct, May 2026, Advice and health article. - link
