You're not alone. More than 13 million people, including 1 in 3 over the age of 65, have bladder control problems. Sadly, many people think that bladder control problems are a normal part of getting older, so they do not seek help.

But bladder control problems are not natural at any age. With new and effective treatments, everyone can be helped and many people can be cured regardless of age.

The American Geriatrics Society (AGS), the nation's premier organization of health care providers dedicated to the health and well-being of older adults, understands the impact of this condition. Experts from the AGS have developed the resources, listed below, to help older adults and their caregivers manage bladder control problems with their health care providers.

Click on one of the following links for more information:

• Information on Bladder Control Problems as seen in Reader's Digest Large Print Edition (PDF file, requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).
• Taking Control of Your Bladder Control Problems(PDF file, requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).
• Sample Bladder Diary - for your use in reporting bladder problems to your physician (PDF file, requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).
• Patient Education Forum (an information sheet in a question and answer format on diseases, conditions and health issues)
• "Incontinence" from Eldercare at Home (a guide for caregivers)
• Behavioral Treatments for Controlling Urge and Stress Incontinence
• Voiding Schedule
• Information Resources on Bladder Control Problems

This information is provided by the American Geriatrics Society and the Foundation for Health in Aging with unrestricted educational grants from Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc., Pharmacia Corporation, and the HCR ManorCare Foundation.

Patient Resources on Urinary Incontinence

Educational materials for patient/family education discuss critical management concepts.

The following Patient handouts created especially for the Practicing Physician Education (PPE) project, may be photocopied as is, without specific permission.