Advancing Bladder Health in Older Adults: A Multidisciplinary Public Health Approach to Digital Tools, Literacy, and Social Determinants of Care

Bladder health among older adults is an emerging priority within geriatric medicine and public health, yet it is frequently overshadowed by persistent stigma and misconceptions. Urinary incontinence (UI) impacts millions of people worldwide, but its prevalence is masked by widespread underreporting and the normalization of symptoms as a natural consequence of aging. Recent studies highlight that UI is not solely a physiological issue but is closely linked to psychosocial distress, including depression, isolation, and diminished self-esteem. Although medical advancements have introduced new incontinence interventions, there is a pronounced gap in comprehensive care that recognizes the role of psychological, cultural, digital, and educational factors in shaping both help-seeking behavior and health outcomes. Notably, the dominance of a “cure-centric” approach has limited attention to holistic definitions of patient well-being and overlooked the need for stigma reduction and empowerment in care pathways.This Research Topic aims to reframe bladder health in older adults within a context that values educational engagement, destigmatization, and multidimensional quality of life. The primary goal is to bridge the gap between clinical management and lived experience, focusing on strategies that elevate dignity, promote prevention, and encourage open dialogue. Specific objectives include investigating how stigma impedes care, developing robust educational programs for patients and caregivers, evaluating innovative interventions and technologies, and integrating expansive metrics that redefine successful treatment. By generating evidence across these areas, the research will inform clinical practice, public policy, and community engagement, ultimately supporting older adults to actively manage their bladder health with confidence.We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:o Cultural and psychological determinants of stigma and shame related to urinary incontinence in older adultso Educational approaches for enhancing self-management and health literacy in bladder healtho Development and assessment of integrated, multidisciplinary models of bladder careo Adoption and impact of digital health interventions such as mobile apps, wearables or smart continence aidso Community-based support, advocacy, and public health campaigns targeting the normalization of bladder healtho Quality of life frameworks and patient-reported outcome measures in older adults extending beyond continence statuso Policy implications and funding models supporting preventive care and wider access to incontinence management resourceso Innovative research methods that engage older adults, caregivers, and communities in the co-design of bladder health interventions, services, and knowledge translation strategiesThis collection will integrate clinical breakthroughs with digital and social innovation to transition bladder health from a stigmatized condition to a platform for patient empowerment. We seek to deconstruct historical barriers of shame and propose a new, dignified paradigm for bladder health and wellness. Topic editors: Javier Jerez-Roig, Hannelore Strauven, Saima Rajabali Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79501/advancing-bladder-health-in-older-adults-a-multidisciplinary-public-health-approach-to-digital-tools-literacy-and-social-determinants-of-care