Older adults usually have enough kidney function to meet their body’s needs. However, when an older adult becomes sick, their kidneys may not work well enough.
Changes to Kidney Function
About one-third of older adults keep normal kidney function. Most others have a slow decrease in kidney function that may begin around age 35.
Kidney function can also get worse quickly. This may happen because of:
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Dehydration (not drinking enough fluids)
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Side effects from medications
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Other health problems
When the kidneys do not work well, serious problems can occur, such as:
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Fluid and mineral imbalance (too much or too little sodium, potassium, or water in the body)
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A build-up of waste in the blood
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Loss of protein in the urine
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High blood pressure caused by extra fluid
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Anemia (low red blood cell count)
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Weak bones that break more easily
Doctors who specialize in kidney diseases are called nephrologists.
The nephron is the tiny part of the kidney that filters blood. Over time, kidney function can worsen because of long-term health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes that are not well controlled.
Complications
Chronic kidney disease raises the risk for other health problems. These include heart and blood vessel diseases such as:
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Heart attack
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Heart failure
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Irregular heartbeat
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Stroke
Managing kidney disease can help lower these risks.
When the kidneys do not work well, the risk of other problems also increases, including:
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Poor nutrition (not getting enough healthy nutrients)
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Weak bones (osteoporosis)
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Anemia (not enough red blood cells)
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High blood pressure
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Depression (very low doses of short-acting antidepressants may help)
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Trouble doing daily activities
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Numbness in the hands and feet (neuropathy)
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Lower quality of life
Last Updated April 2026