Aging changes in the kidneys and bladder

Information

The kidneys filter the blood and help remove wastes and extra fluid from the body. The kidneys also help control the body's chemical balance.

The kidneys are part of the urinary system, which also includes the ureters, bladder, and urethra.

Muscle changes and changes in the reproductive system can affect bladder control.

AGING CHANGES AND THEIR EFFECTS ON THE KIDNEYS AND BLADDER

As you age, your kidneys and bladder change. This can affect their function.

Changes in the kidneys that occur with age:

Changes in the bladder:

In a healthy aging person, kidney function declines very slowly. Illness, medicines, and other conditions can significantly degrade kidney function.

COMMON PROBLEMS

Aging increases the risk of kidney and bladder problems such as:

WHEN TO CONTACT A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL

Contact your health care provider right away if you have any of the following:

As you grow older, you will have other changes, including:

References

Griebling TL. Aging and geriatric urology. In: Partin AW, Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 128.

Smith PP, Kuchel GA. Aging of the urinary tract. In: Fillit HM, Rockwood K, Young J, eds. Brocklehurst's Textbook of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 22.

Walston JD. Common clinical sequelae of aging. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 22.



Review Date: 7/21/2022
Reviewed By: Frank D. Brodkey, MD, FCCM, Associate Professor, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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