Introduction:

Urinary incontinence is a common pelvic floor dysfunction in the older adult population, yet it is an underestimated and underappreciated health problem in clinical practice, which compromises the comprehensive care of this population. It is not synonymous with ageing; it is multifactorial and can cause profound negative impacts on patients' quality of life, physically, emotionally and socially. Quality of life is diminished throughout this population with urinary incontinence.

Objetive:

To compare the findings of previous studies to identify possible divergences in understanding the social and physical impacts of urinary incontinence on the quality of life of older women.

Procedures used for data collection:

A search of the Pubmed database and Google Scholar was conducted. Sixty-seven articles were identified and reviewed, of which 33 were useful. In addition, classic urology and incontinence textbooks were consulted in their most recent available editions.

Results:

It was estimated that more than 50 % of patients suffering from urinary incontinence do not usually report it to healthcare staff. Lack of awareness was also found in urology, coloproctology and gynaecology specialists. It is predominant in women, with an estimated prevalence of 38 %, and numerous relevant studies have described that it increases with age. In the Cuban context, no studies were found on the prevalence of this condition in older adults.

Conclusions:

Urinary incontinence in older women has a significant impact on their quality of life, autonomy and daily functioning, and has been associated with an increased risk of mental health problems. It is important to consider socio-cultural factors and individual experiences when addressing the impacts of urinary incontinence on quality of life because they influence the perception and acceptance of the condition. Detecting and managing this condition early is crucial to preserve quality of life and promote active and healthy ageing.

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