Kidney function naturally changes as we age. It’s common for filtration (measured as eGFR) to gradually decline over time, even in otherwise healthy adults. Importantly, this does not automatically mean kidney disease. What matters most is how your kidneys are functioning in the context of your overall health, and the daily habits that support them. As we get older, the kidneys become more sensitive to dehydration, blood pressure changes, blood sugar levels, and medications. The biggest risk factors for kidney decline include high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic dehydration, and frequent use of medications like NSAIDs. The encouraging part is that many of these are manageable, and small, consistent habits can go a long way in protecting kidney function over time.