Time is the one resource that is given to all of us. It never stops for anyone or anything, and in a way it is the most fair asset that exists in the universe. After all, we can only grow older, never become younger; with every day that passes adding to the biological counter that is our age. It has become routine in today’s world to see more elderly people in our daily life due to declining birth rates1.
As this global shift occurs, it asks us to take a closer look at what happens when we actually grow older. With age, not only do we obtain wisdom but also ailments that make life a lot harder than it used to be. Heavy lifting becomes a chore, a few steps leave us gasping for air, and chronic conditions start crawling onto our back much akin to how a predator stalks its prey. Oftentimes, by the time we realise it, it’s too late, death is already at our door.
One such disease, which is growing increasingly common in Hong Kong is chronic kidney disease (CKD), with cases almost doubling from 2010 to 20212. CKD is often referred to as a ‘silent disease’ due to its asymptomatic nature. Only 1 in 10 people are aware of their diagnosis3, despite it taking more lives than breast cancer or prostate cancer each year4.
Even though the mortality rate is high in later stages, if its progression is caught early, CKD can be controlled through healthy lifestyle changes and/or medication. This includes engaging in exercise and staying hydrated. The WHO guideline of water intake of 3L everyday should be followed; however, in hot regions, such as Hong Kong, it further recommends drinking a minimum of 4L5. If symptoms do appear, unfortunately options narrow to dialysis or transplantation. In fact, over 50% of patients undergoing dialysis are above 61 years old6. To ensure your kidneys health, getting checked is key. This can be done via devices like E-Sense’s VitoCheck, a painless and harmless alternative to traditional screening techniques such as CT scans or blood tests.
References:
1World Bank. (2022). Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) | Data. Worldbank.org. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.CBRT.IN
2Yue, N. C., Ho, S.-C., Mak, J. K. L., Cheng, F. W. T., Tam, E. Y. W., Lau, W. C. Y., Hoo, R. L. C., Tan, K. C. B., Yap, D. Y. H., & Cheung, C.-L. (2025). Prevalence and incidence of chronic kidney diseases in Hong Kong: a 12-year territory-wide retrospective cohort study. The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific, 64, 101726–101726. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanwpc.2025.101726
3Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 15). Chronic kidney disease in the United States, 2023. Chronic Kidney Disease. https://www.cdc.gov/kidney-disease/php/data-research/index.html
4National Kidney Foundation. (2024, August 26). Kidney Disease: Fact Sheet. National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/about/kidney-disease-fact-sheet
5Water, Sanitation, And Health Programme (World Health Organization. (2005). Nutrients in drinking water. Water, Sanitation, And Health Protection And The Human Environment, World Health Organization
6Chan, J. Y., Cheng, Y., Yuen, S., Wong, P., Cheng, H., Mo, K., Yung, C., Chow, K., Fung, S. K., Chak, W., Ma, M. K., Ho, T., Lee, A., Wong, S., Cheung, S., Ma, A. L., Szeto, C., Tang, S. C., & Lui, S. (2024). The Hong Kong Renal Registry: a recent update. Hong Kong Medical Journal. https://doi.org/10.12809/hkmj2411504
