As we age, our bodies undergo various changes, and some health issues become more common. One such condition is a hernia, which can affect people of all ages but becomes more prevalent as we get older.

The average age for developing a hernia can vary depending on the type of hernia:

• Inguinal hernias: These are most common in adults, particularly in men over 40.¹
• Umbilical hernias: Often occur in infants but can also affect adults, peaking in women aged 31-40 and men over 60.²
• Hiatal hernias: More common in people over 50.³
• Femoral hernias: These more often occur in females between the ages of 60-70, and chances increase with age.^4,5

A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue squeezes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue.⁶ The most common types are inguinal (inner groin), femoral (outer groin), umbilical (belly button), and hiatal (upper stomach) hernias.⁷

Hernia repair surgery is generally safe and effective for patients of all ages. Undergoing hernia repair can help avoid the increased risks of emergency surgery.^8,9
 

• Increased Risk with Age: As we age, our muscles tend to weaken—increasing the risk of developing a hernia. Studies have shown that older adults (75+) are at a higher risk for inguinal hernias.¹⁰ While age itself is not a contraindication for hernia surgery, it can impact the decision-making process. When it comes time to talk about surgery, surgeons consider factors such as overall health, the severity of symptoms, and the patient's ability to tolerate surgery when deciding whether to operate.¹¹ Read What to Expect before, during, and after hernia surgery.

• Minimally Invasive vs. Open Surgery: For older patients or those with health concerns, laparoscopic or robotic hernia repair might be recommended (versus an open surgical procedure). These minimally invasive techniques may allow for faster recovery times and may reduce complications.¹²
  
  • Open Repair: In an open repair, an incision is made at the site of the hernia. The mesh is placed between layers of muscle for a durable repair.¹³ Depending on your surgical history, such as if a previous surgery has caused scar tissue, doctors may opt for this more traditional approach.
  • Laparoscopic Repair: Laparoscopy is a type of minimally invasive surgery that only requires multiple small ‘keyhole’ incisions. Laparoscopic repairs use a small camera and specialized minimally invasive tools for accuracy. Patients may experience a faster recovery following laparoscopic repair compared to an open surgery.¹⁴
  • Robotic Repair: Similar to laparoscopic repair, a robotic hernia repair is a minimally invasive surgery requiring small incisions where the surgeon controls the procedure from a specialized robotic console.¹⁴ Patients may also experience a faster recovery following robotic surgery compared to an open surgery.¹⁵

Learn more about Surgical Options.

• Recovery Time: Older adults may require more time to recover from hernia surgery. While most people can return to normal activities within a few weeks, individual recovery times vary person to person.¹⁶ Learn more about Recovery From Hernia Surgery.

• Anesthesia: As we age, our bodies may react differently to anesthesia. Older patients may have a more thorough preoperative evaluation to assess the potential risks.¹⁷ Download the Doctor Discussion Guide.

• Previous Surgical Procedures: Having previous surgical procedures (especially in the abdominal area) is a crucial factor to consider before hernia surgery. Surgery may increase the risk of complications like incisional hernias, which develop at the site of previous surgical scars.¹⁸
   

Although age is an important factor in hernia surgery, it's not the only consideration. Every patient is unique, and your healthcare provider will work with you to determine the best course of treatment. With modern surgical techniques and proper care, hernia repair can be safely performed at various ages. If you have any concerns, be sure to bring them up with your healthcare provider. You can find hernia surgeons in your area with Surgeon Finder.

The guidance provided in this article follows general rules that should be discussed with your doctor. This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not substitute for medical advice. If in doubt, always consult your doctor.