Last Updated on November 25, 2025 by

As we age, our kidneys work less efficiently. For adults, a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) above 90 mL/min/1.73 m ² is normal. But, for those 70 and older, the average GFR is about 75 mL/min/1.73 m ².

In younger adults, a GFR of 80-120 mL/min/1.73 m ² is normal. As we age, our GFR goes down. This can lead to similar problems in older adults as in the younger ones.What is a normal GFR for a 70 year-old? Learn expected range for glomerular filtration rate in older adults and its meaning.

It’s key to understand GFR to check how well our kidneys are working. We must also think about how age affects GFR values. We’ll look into the latest studies and share insights on the average GFR for those in their 70s.

Key Takeaways

• GFR naturally declines with age.
• A GFR above 90 mL/min/1.73 m ² is considered normal for adults.
• For individuals aged 70 and above, the average GFR is around 75 mL/min/1.73 m ².
• A reduced GFR can cause similar issues in older adults as in younger adults.
• Understanding GFR is key for checking kidney function.

Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is key to knowing how well your kidneys work. It shows how well your kidneys filter waste from your blood. As we get older, knowing about GFR is more important for keeping our kidneys healthy.

What GFR Measures in Your Kidneys

GFR shows how fast your kidneys filter blood to remove waste. It’s a key sign of kidney health, showing how well the tiny filters in your kidneys work.

“The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best overall index of kidney function,” it’s said. This shows how important it is to check how well your kidneys are doing.

The Difference Between GFR and eGFR

GFR is the real rate of filtration, but eGFR, or estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate, is a guess based on a blood test. This test looks at creatinine levels, age, sex, and race. Doctors usually use eGFR because it’s easier to get than GFR.

We use eGFR as a simpler way to guess kidney function. It’s based on one blood test.

Why Kidney Function Testing Matters for Seniors

Kidney function tests, like eGFR, are very important for seniors. As we age, our kidneys naturally get worse. Finding kidney problems early can help fix them sooner.

For seniors, knowing about eGFR levels is very important. For example, an eGFR89 or eGFR88 might be okay for some people, depending on age and other things. Looking at an eGFR levels chart can help understand what these numbers mean for kidney health.

Knowing your GFR or eGFR is a big step towards keeping your kidneys healthy, as you get older.

Age-Related Changes in Kidney Function

As we get older, our kidneys change in how they work. It’s key to know these changes to understand kidney tests like the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) in seniors.

Natural Decline in GFR with Aging

The GFR shows how well our kidneys are working. It goes down as we age. For example, people over 70 have an average eGFR of 62.4 ± 15.3 mL/min/1.73 m ², as shown in this study.

This drop is a normal part of aging. But it’s important to tell the difference between age-related changes and kidney disease. This helps doctors make better choices for their patients.

Normal Kidney Function Percentage by Age

Kidney function is measured as a percentage of normal. This percentage goes down with age. For older adults, having a GFR that’s normal for their age is key. For instance, an eGFR of 80, 84, or 85 might be normal for someone in their 70s or 80s, depending on their health.

It’s also important to remember that kidney function can vary a lot among people of the same age. This means we must look at other health factors when we check GFR values.

Why Kidney Function Decreases as We Age

Several things cause kidney function to go down with age. These include losing nephrons, the kidney’s functional units, and changes in blood vessels and health. As we age, our kidneys filter waste and excess fluids less well, leading to a lower GFR.

Also, age-related conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes can hurt kidney function. Knowing these factors helps us see why keeping our kidneys healthy is so important as we age.

What is a normal GFR for a 70-year-old?

Knowing the normal Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for a 70-year-old is key to checking kidney health in older adults. As we get older, our kidneys change, and their function can be affected. So, it’s important to have GFR values that match our age.

Research-Based Average: 62.4 ± 15.3 mL/min/1.73 m ²

Large studies show that the average GFR for 70-year-olds is about 62.4 ± 15.3 mL/min/1.73 m ². This number helps doctors check how well the kidneys work in older adults. It shows how kidney function naturally goes down with age.

For adults, a GFR over 90 mL/min/1.73 m ² is normal. But for those 70 and older, the average GFR is closer to 75 mL/min/1.73 m ². This is because older adults naturally lose some kidney function over time.

Why 75 mL/min/1.73 m ² is Considered Typical

The number 75 mL/min/1.73 m ² is typical for 70-year-olds because it shows the age-related drop in kidney function. Studies have found that GFR goes down with age. By age 70, many people have a GFR lower than that of younger adults.

Even though 75 mL/min/1.73 m ² is typical, a GFR of 53 mL/min/1.73 m ² might not be abnormal for everyone. How different people are and other health issues, also play a big role in kidney function.

Normal Range vs. Clinical Concern Thresholds

It’s important to know the difference between the normal GFR range and when to worry. For a 70-year-old, a GFR of 60 mL/min/1.73 m ² or higher is usually okay. But values below that might mean kidney disease or serious kidney problems.

Doctors need to look at the whole picture when checking GFR values. They consider the patient’s health, any other conditions, and medicines. This helps make the best care plans.

For example, an eGFR of 70 or 82 mL/min/1.73 m ² might be normal for a 70-year-old, depending on other health factors. Knowing these details is key to giving the right care.

eGFR Levels Chart by Age Group

eGFR levels give us insights into kidney health. They change a lot with age. Knowing these changes helps us understand eGFR values better.

Comprehensive eGFR Ranges from Young Adults to Elderly

eGFR values change with age. For example, those 20-29 have an average of 116. Those 30-39 have 107, and 40-49 have 99. Ages 50-59 average 93, 60-69 average 85, and 70+ average 75.

For a young adult, an eGFR of 100 is normal. But for someone over 70, 75 is more common. This decline is key to understanding kidney health as we age.

Interpreting Values Between 80-89 (eGFR 80, 82, 84, 85, 88, 89)

eGFR values between 80-89 show normal or slightly decreased kidney function. For example, an eGFR of 80, 82, 84, 85, 88, or 89 means the kidneys are working well but not as well as in younger people.

It’s important to look at these values in relation to the person’s overall health. Any health issues can impact kidney function.

Understanding Values Between 70-79 (eGFR 70, 79)

eGFR values between 70-79 show a slight decline in kidney function. This is common as we age. For example, an eGFR of 70 or 79 might be normal for older adults, depending on their health.

Doctors will look at these values and other tests to check kidney health. They’ll decide the best next steps.

Comparing GFR in Different Elderly Age Groups

As people get older, their kidneys work less well. It’s important to know the normal Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for different ages. We’ll look at how GFR changes in people in their 70s and 80s, focusing on women.

When checking kidney function in older adults, we must remember that GFR naturally goes down with age. For those over 70, the average eGFR is about 62.4 ± 15.3 mL/min/1.73 m ². But this number can change due to age, gender, and health.

What is Normal GFR for Age 80 vs. Age 70

GFR goes down as we get older. For example, a GFR of about 75 mL/min/1.73 m ² is normal for those in their 70s. But, for those 80 and older, the normal range might be a bit lower because of aging.

Normal GFR values for different age groups:

• For individuals aged 70-79, a normal GFR is around 75 mL/min/1.73 m ².
• For those aged 80 and above, the average GFR may be lower, typically around 60-70 mL/min/1.73 m ².

Normal GFR for an 80-Year-Old Woman

An 80-year-old woman’s normal GFR is usually between 60-70 mL/min/1.73 m ². But, this can change based on health, muscle mass, and other conditions.

It’s important to remember that GFR can be different for men and women. Women usually have slightly lower GFR values because of muscle mass differences.

Gender Differences in GFR Among Seniors

There are gender differences in GFR for seniors. Women generally have lower GFR values than men of the same age because of body composition and muscle mass. Knowing these differences helps doctors understand GFR results better.

By comparing GFR values across different elderly age groups, doctors can better understand kidney function in older adults. This helps in making more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.

Chronic Kidney Disease Diagnosis in Older Adults

Older adults face a higher risk of being misdiagnosed with CKD. This is because the current methods use fixed thresholds. Understanding the natural decline in kidney function with age is key.

Diagnostic Criteria and Limitations

CKD diagnosis mainly relies on the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR). But, using a fixed threshold can lead to overdiagnosis in older adults. For example, an eGFR of 89 or 85 might be seen as normal in younger people but not in older ones.

It’s important to consider the age-related decline in kidney function. Values like egfr89, egfr85, and egfr79 are critical. They help in accurately diagnosing CKD and avoiding misdiagnosis.

The Berlin Initiative Study

The Berlin Initiative Study has been key in showing the need for age-adapted CKD thresholds. It found that the decline in GFR slows with age. This suggests we need a more nuanced approach to CKD diagnosis.

Using age-adapted thresholds can help reduce unnecessary CKD diagnoses in older adults. This aligns with the Berlin Initiative Study’s findings. It highlights the importance of considering age-related changes in kidney function.

Preventing Unnecessary Diagnoses

To prevent unnecessary CKD diagnoses, healthcare providers should look at the individual’s overall health, age, and kidney function. They should interpret eGFR values in the context of the patient’s age and other health factors.

For instance, an older adult with an eGFR of 79 might not have CKD if other health indicators are normal. By taking a more holistic approach to diagnosis, we can avoid mislabeling older adults with CKD. This reduces unnecessary anxiety and treatment.

Conclusion: Maintaining Kidney Health as You Age

Knowing what a normal GFR for a 70-year-old is key to keeping kidneys healthy. As we age, our GFR naturally goes down. What’s normal can change based on health and gender.

To keep kidneys working well, it’s important to have good blood pressure, blood sugar, and a healthy weight. It’s also critical to check kidney function regularly, more so for seniors. This helps catch problems early.

Being mindful of the normal GFR range and taking steps to protect kidney health is important. For a 70-year-old, a GFR of about 62.4 ± 15.3 mL/min/1.73 m ² is normal. But always talk to a doctor to figure out the best plan for you.

FAQ

References

1. Tran, L. N. (2024). Urinary Incontinence. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559095/