Incontinence is a topic that is hard to discuss for many people. The ability to control our bodily functions, once mastered as a child for typical individuals, is an essential part of the definition of "healthy" for most adults. When a temporary or permanent condition causes urinary incontinence, individuals go through a period of adjustment that is often accompanied by sadness, depression, and sometimes more prominent emotional responses. The inability to control the flow of urine equates for many with this condition a lack of control in general, causing for some embarrassment or a desire to limit social contact. A study completed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services over 10 years ago noted that over 13 million people suffer from urinary incontinence in the U.S. The number is probably greater as there are numerous individuals who suffer in silence, purchasing over the counter briefs and pads, some even hiding the condition from their family members.

Incontinence affects 10%- 30% of women in the general population of those aged 15 to 65 versus only 1.5% - 5% of men. Nearly half of all those in nursing homes throughout the country are have urinary incontinence, 70% of those are women. As with all conditions, the causes are varied and dependent generally on a multitude of factors. There is the acute and temporary incontinence caused either by childbirth, medication, limited mobility, or a urinary tract infection. While affecting individuals in the same ways as does more permanent instances of incontinence, individuals with these temporary conditions often find treatments that resolve the situation fairly quickly.

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Be on your guard this week! It’s national no name calling week. Schools will be observing this, perhaps especially, as teachers and parents alike work to help curtail growing episodes of bullying. It struck me as something to mention because of what is a growing debate in our country about what to call us Americans as we age. There is more and more resistance, especially from Baby Boomers, to eschew the moniker, "senior," a label that became quite commonplace as the preceding generation grew older. We find more and more that even those over 65 now like the expression, "senior citizen," less and less. Even AARP changed the reference to the acronym (American Association of Retired Persons) in its branding a few years ago, preferring now to use only the acronym.

"Elder," still preferred in many cultures, comes from Middle English, 12th century references to those with authority by virtue of age and experience. American Indian practices, Asian and Latin cultures, even some European traditions, reserve a place of honor for those who are older, deferring to their wisdom and life experience. Some religious denominations designate leadership roles through the title.

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