Which is a common age-related change affecting urinary elimination in older adults?

• A. Decreased bladder capacity and sensation
• B. Increased bladder capacity
• C. Decreased residual urine
• D. No nocturia

Answer: (A)

Aging brings changes in the bladder that reduce how much it can hold and how clearly it signals fullness. When capacity is smaller and the sensation of needing to pee is blunted, people tend to void more often and often wake at night to urinate. This combination—decreased bladder capacity with reduced sensory signaling—is a common age-related change affecting urinary elimination in older adults.

Increased bladder capacity isn’t typical for aging, so that option doesn’t fit. Residual urine often increases with age because the detrusor muscle may weaken or outlet resistance can rise, leading to incomplete emptying rather than less. No nocturia is not common either, since waking at night to void (nocturia) is a frequent issue in older adults.