Feeling unusually tired, waking up several times at night to use the bathroom, or noticing swollen ankles might seem like ordinary parts of getting older. However, these seemingly minor changes can sometimes indicate something more serious: declining kidney function. The problem is that kidney disease often develops quietly, leaving many older adults unaware that anything is wrong until significant damage has occurred.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 34% of Americans ages 65 and older have chronic kidney disease, and an estimated 87% of adults with the condition don’t know they have it. That’s especially concerning because early detection and treatment can help slow kidney damage and prevent complications. Recognizing potential signs of kidney trouble is important, particularly for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease. Here are nine warning signs older adults shouldn’t automatically dismiss as normal aging.
