Associations of urinary incontinence, absorbent product use, and confidence gained from absorbent product use with perceived ageism in later adulthood

Abstract

Background and objectives: Urinary incontinence (UI) has not been examined in relation to perceptions of age discrimination (ageism). This study examined whether UI, absorbent product use, and confidence gained from absorbent product use are associated with ageism in later adulthood.

Research design and methods: Cross-sectional data were collected from 680 community-dwelling female and male participants. Participants were aged 55-73 years; 62% were women. In 2023-2024, UI, absorbent product use, confidence gained from absorbent product use, and ageism were assessed. Ageism variables (frequency across 7 settings, number of settings, perceived stress of discrimination) were regressed on frequency and severity of UI, absorbent product use frequency, and (among those who used absorbent products) confidence gained from product use. Covariates included age, gender, race, and education.

Results: A one standard deviation (SD) greater frequency of UI (Beta = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.18, 0.33), severity of UI (Beta = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.12, 0.27), and frequency of absorbent product use (Beta = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.04, 0.20) were each associated with more frequent exposure to age discrimination across settings. A similar pattern was observed for the number of settings in which participants experienced age discrimination. Frequency and severity of UI and absorbent product use frequency were not associated with perceived stress of discrimination. Confidence gained from absorbent product use was not associated with ageism variables.

Discussion and implications: Longitudinal research is needed to test whether UI-related characteristics are prospectively associated with ageism. Programs and policies are needed to address discriminatory behaviors toward aging individuals in different settings.

Keywords: Absorbent product; Ageism; Discrimination; Urinary incontinence.

Brady SS, Arguedas A, Huling JD, Hellemann G, Lewis CE, Jacobs DR Jr, Fok CS, Van Den Eeden SK, Markland AD. Associations of urinary incontinence, absorbent product use, and confidence gained from absorbent product use with perceived ageism in later adulthood. Gerontologist. 2026 Jun 9;66(7):gnag077. doi: 10.1093/geront/gnag077. PMID: 42261264; PMCID: PMC13260859.