Which demographic is most commonly affected by urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is most commonly observed in older adults due to a combination of physiological and medical factors that increase the risk of developing this condition with age. As individuals grow older, the muscles that control bladder function may weaken, leading to a reduced ability to hold urine. Additionally, older adults often face a higher prevalence of chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes or neurological disorders, which can further impair bladder control. Hormonal changes, particularly in women after menopause, as well as underlying health issues like prostate enlargement in men, can also contribute to the likelihood of experiencing urinary incontinence in this demographic.

In contrast, the other age groups listed, such as children and teenagers, typically experience fewer issues with urinary incontinence, with conditions generally being developmental or related to transient factors. Middle-aged adults may be affected, but the incidence is significantly lower than that seen in older populations. Therefore, older adults represent the demographic most commonly affected by urinary incontinence.