The Upcoming Challenge of Aging and Chronic Kidney Disease

A BSTRACT The aging of the world population is rapidly progressing, including in India, where the current elderly population (over 60 years) of 153 million is expected to more than double to a staggering 347 million by the year 2050. The growth rate of the population aged 60 years and over is three times faster in less developed countries than in the developed world. It is also estimated that by the year 2050, 80% of older people will be living in low- to middle-income countries that are not going to be best equipped to deal with the numerous challenges that come with an aging population. Aging is associated with an increased risk of noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and chronic kidney disease. It is known that the glomerular filtration rate declines by 10 ml/min per decade after the age of 40 years. This review deals with the processes of renal aging and the challenges that nephrologists are likely to face in future.