What urinary change is typically associated with aging?

As individuals age, there are various physiological changes that occur within the urinary system, one of which includes a decline in sphincter reflexes. With aging, both the strength and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles and the bladder sphincter can weaken, which results in decreased sphincter reflexes. This can lead to issues such as incontinence or urgency because the control over urination is compromised.

In contrast, urinary output generally does not increase with age; in fact, it can remain stable or sometimes decrease due to changes in kidney function and fluid balance. Additionally, the frequency of urination tends to increase rather than decrease in older adults due to a combination of factors such as reduced bladder capacity and more frequent urinary tract infections, which are more common in elderly populations. Therefore, recognizing the decrease in sphincter reflexes as a typical change associated with aging reflects an important aspect of gerontological health, highlighting the need for supportive interventions for older adults in managing urinary health.