Helping Older Adults Protect Their Kidneys

March is National Kidney Month, a great reminder for pharmacists to check in with older adults about their kidney health. People aged 60 and above, especially those with high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of kidney disease, are at higher risk.

When kidneys are compromised, it affects more than just filtration. Chronic kidney disease can raise the risk of heart problems, weaken bones, and even lead to kidney failure.

Pharmacists can play a big role here by having simple, practical conversations with patients about lifestyle habits that support healthy kidneys. These include behaviors like getting about 30 minutes of activity, even a walk, daily; cutting back on salt; eating healthier foods like whole grains, healthy fats and lean proteins; staying well-hydrated; avoiding self-medication; limiting intake of NSAIDs like ibuprofen; quitting smoking and getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. It’s also important to remind patients to keep their blood pressure and diabetes under control and to monitor their levels regularly.

Now is a perfect time to start these conversations and help older adults take steps to protect their kidney health.

Learn more from the National Kidney Foundation National Kidney Month page and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) National Kidney Month resources.