Incontinence cost the Australian economy more than $100 billion last year, which the majority of sufferers under 65.
A new Deloitte Access Economics report commissioned for the Continence Foundation of Australia showed the cost of incontinence in 2023 has increased to $100.4 billion.
Continence Foundation of Australia CEO Dr Gian Sberna said last year the direct health cost of incontinence was $66.6 billion, with an additional $33.8 billion cost in lost wellbeing, such as days off work or unemployment, for those living with the condition.
Dr Sberna said the report found 71 percent of people living with incontinence were aged 65 and younger and there was an estimated 2.4 million men and 4.8 million women living with some form of urinary and/or faecal incontinence.
“Incontinence is costing Australia a staggering amount of money annually in financial and wellbeing terms.
“The findings of this report underscore the urgent need for comprehensive support, increased awareness, and better treatment options for the millions of Australians affected by this condition,” he said.
Dr Sberna said by 2032, the number of Australians living with some degree of incontinence would rise to 8.6 million, representing 34.1 percent of the population.
“Despite its prevalence, incontinence remains under-recognised and under-reported.”
Dr Sberna there was a significant increase in the cost to the economy from the last report in 2010.
“While the data doesn’t directly correlate between the reports (due to inflation and some reporting methodology changes) the latest report suggests it could be as high a 50 percent increase.”
He said more effort and investment was required to ensure that the impact of incontinence was better recorded and support and treatment made available for all Australians.
