Seven Ways to Fight an Overactive Bladder

Elderly people don't need to chalk up overactive bladder as something that "just happens" as they age. Here are seven tips that can help manage an overactive bladder:

1. Avoid foods that can trigger overactive bladder symptoms, such as spicy foods, chocolate and citrus fruits.
2. Cut out caffeine and artificial sweeteners, which can make you need to urinate suddenly.
3. Avoid alcohol, which stimulates the bladder.
4. Use absorbent pads and undergarments designed especially for incontinent episodes.
5. Plan ahead for road trips. Well-traveled roads are more likely to have readily available restrooms.
6. Consider timed voiding or bladder retraining. 
7. "Freeze and squeeze." If you feel that you suddenly need to go to the bathroom, sit down and squeeze your pelvic floor muscles three to five times. Once the urge is under control, walk to the restroom.

To learn more about each of these tips, click here.