Don’t let incontinence stop you travelling
Forget your anxiety about unexpected leaks and follow these tips to keep you high and dry.
Late last year, it happened to the 71-year-old President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir. In an incident with which some older people would identify, Mr Kiir wet himself in public.
The incident occurred on live television while he was standing for the national anthem.
It sparked a national debate between those who said Mr Kiir was not well enough to rule the nation and others who criticised the sharing of the footage on social media, complaining that doing so was disrespectful.
Incontinence often comes with age, and it is a very real and practical consideration when travelling.
On a plane, concerns about incontinence can affect where you seat, how much you drink and eat, and how you pack your take-on luggage.
What do you do if you get the urge while standing in line at airport security or when you are told to resume your seat because the seat belt is on?
As with many aspects of travelling as we age, planning for incontinence can help prevent hassles and make the trip a lot more enjoyable.
The Continence Foundation of Australia is a valuable resource of information and support for those plagued by incontinence, and it offers advice about how to prepare for long-haul travel.
Six to eight weeks before your trip, you should discuss your travel plans with your doctor. As well as continence issues, get advice on the prescription medications you will need as well as vaccinations or booster shots. Carry the meds in your take-on luggage.
Book early and advise your travel agent of your needs. Book seats on the aisle, near a toilet or near the front of the plane, so you can exit quickly. As well as making it easier for you to get to the toilet, having an aisle seat means you don’t have to climb over fellow passengers.
Talk to the cabin crew about your needs so they can help you in an emergency.
If travelling by train, book a seat in a carriage with a toilet. If it’s a coach trip, make sure the bus has a toilet and you are close to it.
If you wear absorbent pads for bladder leakage, take extras and consider increasing the absorbency for extra protection. Pack these where you can easily get to them.
Disposable wipes are handy and especially good for faecal incontinence. Pack some large zip-lock bags in case of emergencies, where you can put soiled pads and wipes.
Clothing
Choose clothes in dark colours (to disguise any leakage) that are easy to remove and comfortable to wear (elastic waists, track pants or longer, loose-fitting tops). You might also want to take a change of clothing.
For women travelling in the tropics, a sarong is handy to hide a leakage. It can also be placed on a wet chair. A jacket or cardigan can be tied around the waist to disguise an accident.
Stay hydrated
It is important to drink water when travelling, because air-conditioning is dehydrating and that can lead to bladder irritation, making incontinence worse. Avoid beverages that can cause dehydration and bladder irritation, such as caffeine and alcohol, soft drinks and sports drinks.
Don't be tempted to cut down on fluids to reduce urine leakage as this can make things worse.
Eat light meals so you won’t feel uncomfortable, bloated or queasy. Your digestion and body clock can be upset when travelling. Spicy or acidic foods are best avoided.
Exercise
Stretch and walk as much as you can to help with circulation and digestion. Seated exercises, such as those recommended by airlines, are good.
Toilet maps
When travelling in Australia, you can also plan toilet stops. The National Public Toilet Map helps you search for the closest public toilet, and then share the map for easy access.
There are also apps and online maps to help you find a toilet while travelling overseas.
Further reading: Continence Foundation of Australia, The Guardian
