4 Ways for Older Adults to Protect Themselves From UTIs

We asked an infection preventionist to explain why UTIs are so prevalent in seniors, the symptoms to watch for, and how to prevent UTIs.

UTIs are more common – and dangerous – for the elderly.

“Seniors are more prone to developing UTIs than younger people for various reasons,” says Anne Rinaldi, infection preventionist with Southington Care Center, part of the Hartford HealthCare Community Network.
The reason, she says, is age-weakened immune systems that make it harder for the body to fight infections. And chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease – which are more common in seniors – further compromise immune response.
Untreated UTIs can lead to a number of complications, including kidney problems or even sepsis, a life-threatening infection.
“Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment is the key to preventing complications in the elderly patient,” Rinaldi shares.

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