The aging kidney demonstrates impaired ability to respond to perturbations of fluid and electrolyte balance, and therefore a number of these complications are frequently encountered in the presence of intercurrent illness. The renal responses to dietary sodium deprivation and sodium load in the elderly are blunted. Renal concentrating and diluting abilities are also impaired in the aging kidney. Defective sodium and water homeostatic mechanisms render this population markedly susceptible to perturbations. Hypokalemia is the most prominent potassium abnormality in the elderly population. The response to alkali or ammonium loading may also be delayed in elderly subjects. Serum levels of total calcium, ionized calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and parathyroid hormone generally remain within the normal range in the elderly.