Description

The risk of gout increases with age, especially for men, due to various physiological changes that occur over time. As we age, kidney function naturally declines, potentially reducing the efficiency of uric acid excretion. Hormonal changes, particularly the decrease in estrogen in postmenopausal women, can affect uric acid levels. Older individuals are also more likely to have comorbidities that increase gout risk, such as hypertension and diabetes. Additionally, the cumulative effects of lifestyle factors and long-term exposure to dietary purines may contribute to the age-related increase in gout risk. A large-scale epidemiological study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy found that the prevalence of gout increased significantly with age, with the highest rates observed in individuals over 80 years old [1]. Another study in the Journal of Rheumatology demonstrated that the incidence of gout increases linearly with age until about 70 years old in men and 50 years old in women [2]. While age is a non-modifiable risk factor, awareness of this increased risk can help older individuals and their healthcare providers implement appropriate preventive strategies.