Bladder symptoms such as urinary urgency and incontinence severely limit quality of life for many older adults. In addition to causing physical health problems like reduced mobility and an increased risk of falling, bladder symptoms are also shown to negatively impact mental health. 

While common with age, bladder symptoms are treatable through behavioral change and pelvic floor exercises. Yet, older adults rarely obtain treatment - pointing to an unmet need and a chance for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans to intervene.

Bladder symptoms become more prevalent and severe as we age, largely due to physiological changes in the bladder and surrounding structures. The bladder's capacity decreases, and its muscles weaken, reducing control over urination. Additionally, the loss of elasticity in the bladder wall and changes in the coordination between the bladder and urethral sphincter contribute to these issues.

According to a recent study:

• Only 46% of older adults with OAB symptoms discussed their symptoms with a provider
• Only 8% were receiving treatment

Nymbl Bladder: Solving an Unmet Need for Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans and Members Alike

At Nymbl, our goal is to empower older adults to fully engage in life and continue to live independently. We’re experts at decreasing fall risk through balance training. While balance training and easing bladder symptoms might seem unrelated at first glance, they complement each other in helping older adults to live life more fully.

Combining balance training with interventions to address urinary urgency offers a comprehensive approach to fall prevention. By targeting multiple risk factors simultaneously, such as muscle weakness, poor posture, impaired proprioception, and urinary urgency, Nymbl can significantly reduce the risk of falls and improve quality of life.

Up to 50% of people with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) have at least one fall per year.

Another way is through improving mental wellbeing. Research shows that the embarrassment and inconvenience of incontinence and urgency cause heightened anxiety, depression, and social isolation. In the same way that older adults at fall risk limit their daily activities to avoid what they perceive as risky scenarios, many older adults with bladder symptoms avoid social activities (like walking with friends or car rides) to prevent potentially embarrassing situations. 

By reducing bladder symptoms that limit older adults’ engagement in activities of daily living, Nymbl Bladder enables MA plans to drive desired health outcomes for their members.

2 in 3 Nymbl Bladder users indicated an improvement in their bladder symptoms during the pilot period.

Furthermore, Nymbl Bladder’s education component was designed to influence the Health Outcomes Survey (HOS) to support overall improvement in Medicare Star Ratings. It has been shown to motivate productive discussions between members and their PCPs.

18% of pilot users discussed bladder health with their provider for the first time as a result of using Nymbl.

While Nymbl Bladder is still relatively new, member feedback indicates that the program can enhance member satisfaction and retention for MA plans.

“I am very grateful for having access to this program. The tips in this program have helped me reduce my sense of urgency and given me more confidence when away from home.”

- Nymbl Bladder user 

Want to read the full version of our Bladder Pilot Report? It dives into how Nymbl Bladder bolsters the Balance program by further reducing fall risk, impacting quality scores, and driving member retention.