Over 65

Kidney function normally declines with age, not only because they get smaller but also because of reduced efficiency of the individual components in the kidney. However, the kidneys can usually deal with the workload, unless stressed by extra factors then the ageing kidney has a reduced capacity to manage stress.

The main causes of renal failure in the elderly are hypertension, diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. Click on these links for guidance.

Kidney failure in the elderly can cause a significant decline in independence and physical wellbeing.

Chronic renal failure is a disease of older people but their age should not be an obstacle to treatment as long as overall health allows.

Amended April 2008