Understanding Your Kidneys and How They Change with Age
Before we explore the symptoms, let’s take a moment to appreciate what our kidneys do for us every single day. These two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist, are located on either side of your spine, just below your rib cage. They may be small, but their job is mighty.
Your kidneys are your body’s master filters. Their primary role is to remove waste products and excess fluid from your blood, which are then passed out of your body as urine. But their work doesn’t stop there. Your kidneys also:
- Balance your body’s fluids.
- Release hormones that regulate blood pressure.
- Produce a form of vitamin D that promotes strong, healthy bones.
- Control the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout your body.
As we get older, our kidney function can naturally decline slightly. Furthermore, conditions that become more common with age, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, are the two leading causes of kidney disease. These conditions can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, making it harder for them to do their filtering job effectively. This is why paying attention to your kidney health is so important as you navigate life after 60.
The challenge with kidney problems is that they often develop slowly and silently. You can lose a significant amount of kidney function before you even notice anything is wrong. That’s why recognizing the earliest, most subtle signs is key. Catching issues early gives you and your doctor the best chance to slow or prevent further damage.
