Always Discreet and Brand Ambassador Michelle Bridges are currently working with Share the Dignity to raise awareness for invisible bladder leaks.
It’s an ‘unspoken health condition that affect more than 1 in 3 women in Australia*’.
The new study by Always Discreet was conducted following previous reports of women over 50 being the fastest growing group of people entering homelessness in Australia**.
However, the new findings highlight how this issue, combined with the ongoing and necessary costs associated with managing bladder leaks (much like menstrual management), is impacting the livelihood of this older group of ‘invisible women’.
Australian women over 50 spend on average $400 a year on bladder leak protection products.
More so, 33% of women who struggle to afford the protection they need have resorted to using unhygienic alternatives, with the most common being tissues, paper towel or toilet paper (64%), multiple pairs of underwear (16%), cloth from old clothes (13%), tea towels (9%), cotton wool (4%) and even socks (2%).
“I’ve worked with countless women of the years who have experienced bladder leaks and have been able to support them through various training techniques to strengthen their pelvic floor,” ambassador Michelle Bridges says.
“Towards the end of my pregnancy, I could appreciate how they felt – when that moment happens it’s a do I laugh or do I cry moment, but it’s something that certainly connects all of us!”
Always Discreet will be making a donation to Share the Dignity for every pack purchased in Woolworths and Chemist Warehouse stores during June 2021.
Customers can see Share the Dignity boxes at Woolworths stores in March and August each year, where they can donate Always Discreet products.
Share the Dignity Founder and Managing Director Rochelle Courtenay adds: “It’s heartbreaking to see many Australian women over 50 living below the poverty line, and that an overwhelming amount are unable to afford necessary bladder leak protection, and in some cases ending up without a home.
“We are thankful to Always Discreet for their much-needed donation, and the awareness a global brand like theirs can help to create as we continue our mission to make dignity an affordable and accessible right to all women.”
Visit alwaysdiscreet.com.au for more information.
* Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Report, 2006.
**The Age.