subject: Adult Continence – Use It Or Lose It [print this page] As we age adult continence issues are likely to crop up. While this condition is not a natural part of the aging process, changes in our bodies can encourage conditions that lead to the occasional involuntary flow of urine. For example the old adage of "use it or lose it" normally associated with major muscle groups is particularly true in the case of stress incontinence.
The muscles in the lower abdomen, specifically the pelvic floor are responsible for supporting and protecting the bladder. These are a tough group of muscles for the average person to identify much less "work out." However when they weaken over time, they can cause the bladder to become susceptible to outside pressure like that which occurs when you sneeze or try to lift a heavy object and that can cause a leakage.
There is however, an exercise regimen called Kegel exercises that directly work the pelvic floor muscles. These are isometric exercises that anyone can do and that do not need any special equipment or space. Ask you doctor for details.
As we advance in age it becomes more difficult even to realize that we might have a problem because our senses are as sharp as they once were. There is however a new interest in providing products for this condition because the world population is aging and there is a stronger demand.
One organization is testing an alarm system that will discreetly let the wearer know that there has been a leakage so that he or she can take appropriate action. This system works similar to urine alarms that are available for children when they are in the potty training stage. Basically this alarm, which looks like a charm changes color when there is leakage alerting the wearer.
This is just the latest advance in treating adult continence issues and you can expect manufacturers to come out with many more.
