Physical activity, bladder and bowel control issues, and quality of life in Australian older adults

Bladder and bowel control issues, including urinary and fecal incontinence, are prevalent health concerns, particularly among older adults. These health issues are often overlooked public health challenges and can significantly impact the quality of life and overall physical and mental well-being. Despite the importance of continence health, limited research has been conducted to examine its burden in Australia and explore its association with physical function, including physical activity (PA) levels, grip strength, gait speed, and mobility issues. Furthermore, no study has been done to explore the relationships of PA types and patterns, such as walking for transport and muscle strengthening exercises, with bowel and bladder control issues. The ASPREE study provides a unique opportunity to examine these associations in more detail.