The prevalences of urinary incontinence, difficulty in bladder emptying and irritative bladder symptoms are not known in the noninstitutionalized elderly in this country. A survey, consisting of a multi-stage probability sample of 13,912 households, was done in Washtenaw County, Michigan to estimate these prevalences. A total of 1,955 senior citizens 60 or more years old was interviewed. The prevalences of urinary incontinence, difficult bladder emptying and irritative bladder symptoms were 18.9, 22.1 and 11.8 per cent, respectively, in men, and 37.7, 10.8 and 17.4 per cent, respectively, in women. Urinary incontinence was significantly more prevalent among all respondents with bladder emptying and irritative symptoms than those without such symptoms (p less than 0.001). The frequency of voiding was significantly increased among respondents with incontinence, or emptying or irritative symptoms compared to asymptomatic respondents (p less than 0.001). These survey data are of importance to senior citizens, care providers and governmental agencies.