Age-associated loss of kidney function has been recognized for decades. After 30 years of age, or every year, we loose 1% of kidney function. By 60 years of age, a person has already lost 30 percent of kidney function! So at retirement age, a person retires with loss of almost 30% of kidney function. Kidneys are silent workers. They are the sweepers of body which keep the blood clean by filtering impurities. Unless the kidney functions fall below 50%, no symptoms are seen, even the blood tests are normal.
Why do the kidney functions suffer with aging? The reason is simple. With aging, blood flow to the kidneys decline. As the blood flow becomes less, kidney functions also go down. Gradually, kidneys shrink in size. It is not unusual to find small size kidneys on ultrasound examination of elder persons. The persons who are smokers, who chew tobacco tend …
