In women, weakened muscles can allow the bladder or vagina to fall out of position (prolapse), which can block the urethra. In men, the urethra may become blocked by an enlarged prostate gland.

EFFECTS OF CHANGES

Under usual conditions, kidney function remains normal in an aging person. Although sometimes they kidneys may function more slowly than those of a younger person.

However, illness, medications, and other conditions can affect a kidney's ability to function properly. Changes in the kidneys may affect an elderly person's ability to concentrate urine and hold onto water. Dehydration occurs more readily because older people frequently have less of a sense of thirst.

Dehydration can also be aggravated if an older person reduces fluid intake in an attempt to reduce bladder control problems.

COMMON PROBLEMS

Aging increases the risk for urinary disorders, such as:

• Acute kidney failure
• Chronic kidney failure
• Bladder control issues (urinary incontinence, or leakage or urinary retention, which means you are not able to completely empty your bladder)
• Bladder infections
• Other urinary tract infections (UTIs)

UTIs are common, and partly due to incomplete emptying. It is also related to changes in the chemical balance in the urinary tract.

Urinary system cancers are more common in the elderly, especially prostate cancer (men) and bladder cancer.

In both men and women, urinary changes are closely related to changes in the reproductive system. For example, men may experience problems because of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy). Women may have vaginal infections (vaginitis) and bladder infections.

The aging kidney is more susceptible to adverse drug events. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and heart medications called ACE inhibitors can cause acute kidney failure failure in some cases. It is important that routine lab tests are done when these medications are used.

See also:

• Aging changes in the bones, muscles, and joints
• Aging changes in the male reproductive system
• Aging changes in organs, tissues, and cells

Images

Changes in kidney with age

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Review Date: 12/13/2010
Reviewed By: Michael Langan, M.D. Department of Geriatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)