National Senior UTI Awareness Day

National Senior UTI Awareness Day is observed annually on October 24, a dedicated day to raise awareness about urinary tract infections (UTIs) among older adults, especially seniors whose symptoms may be harder to detect.

History of National Senior UTI Awareness Day

The day was established to highlight the fact that UTIs in older people—while common—often go unnoticed or are misdiagnosed because the usual signs differ from younger individuals. Research grew in the 2000s to focus specifically on UTI manifestation in seniors, and this observance was created to spotlight that gap.
Particularly among older adults, factors like reduced immune response, incontinence, mobility limitations and underlying health conditions increase vulnerability to UTIs, making the need for awareness and prevention more urgent.

Why is National Senior UTI Awareness Day important?

When UTIs strike seniors, they may show up not as burning urination or frequent trips to the bathroom and instead present as confusion, falls, increased incontinence, or behavioural changes. Being aware of this possibility means more timely diagnosis and better outcomes. Recognising that a seemingly unrelated change—such as sudden disorientation—might actually signal a UTI rather than a dementia‑progression can change how care is approached.
Also, this day serves as a reminder that urinary tract health is not a “minor” issue in later life. Untreated UTIs in seniors can lead to serious consequences such as kidney damage or sepsis. By focusing attention on prevention, detection, and conversation, we emphasise dignity, quality of life and the right of older adults to safe, proactive care.

• It draws attention to an under‑recognised health risk for older adults
• It reminds caregivers and health professionals to watch for subtle symptoms in seniors
• It reinforces the importance of hygiene, hydration, and mobility for urinary health
• It encourages open dialogues about UTIs and reduces shame or silence around them
• It supports the goal of preserving health and independence in later life

How to Celebrate National Senior UTI Awareness Day

Observing the day can be practical and empowering. For example, a family member or caregiver might sit down with an older loved one to review their hydration habits, bathroom routine and signals of infection, and then make a small plan together for staying alert. This kind of direct, caring check‑in can feel both supportive and preventive.
Another approach is to share information in your community—perhaps in a senior centre or care home—about how UTIs differ in older adults, what signs to watch for, and what simple steps can help prevent them (like staying well‑hydrated, changing incontinence products regularly, and avoiding holding urine for too long). Educating others builds collective protection.

• Have a friendly conversation with an older adult about urinary health and hydration
• Review and support good hygiene and bathroom routines for seniors
• Encourage regular fluid intake and mobility to help reduce UTI risk
• Share a short info‑sheet or tip list in a senior centre or caregiver meeting
• If you notice sudden confusion, falls or behaviour changes in a senior, consider asking about urinary symptoms

National Senior UTI Awareness Day Dates Table