Common Problems in the Elderly: Urinary Incontinence, Pain, Immobilization

WOS: 000271572200004In this review, urinary incontinence, pain and immobilization problems in elderly people have been discussed. Urinary incontinence is a growing medical, social and economic health problem for the elderly people. Urge urinary incontinence and stress urinary incontinence are the most common forms of incontinence and they both affect the quality of life of the elderly. Assessment and treatment of urinary incontinence will significantly influence the elder's quality of life. Many older adults consider pain as a natural part of aging. While elderly people are more likely to experience pain than the general population, in many cases, they are undertreated. Safe pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain treatment options are available for the elderly. Bed rest and immobilization are a common consequence of many diseases and are also a proposed treatment modality for several acute and chronic disorders. It has been approved that inactivity fosters the healing of the affected part of the body; however, the deleterious effects and complications of prolonged bed rest and immobility have been increasingly recognized since the mid-1940s. Although the unfavorable effects and complications of immobilization seem to be variable for individuals, the elderly people are likely to lose significant independent functions easier and faster. Turk J Phys Med Rehab 2009; 55 Suppl 2: 62-6