The short answer is simple. Most blood donors are proud to have been able to serve their community throughout the course of their lives, and there isn’t an age limit to who can donate blood.
However, when it comes to senior-aged loved ones and donating blood, there are always some precautions that must be taken. We know that even though your elderly family members may want to continue donating blood, you still have concerns about their well-being in the process.
Before you schedule their next donation appointment, here are some of the requirements to expect for blood donors aged 65 and up.
Weight
Although there isn’t an age limit to blood donations, there is definitely a weight requirement in place to ensure donors remain healthy after the procedure. The minimum weight for someone to donate blood is 110 pounds.
Those under the weight requirement may not be able to comfortably withstand losing the amount of blood that’s taken out with each donation. If someone donates while underweight the chances are high that they will faint on the donation table. Once this happens, technicians remove the needle and dispose of the blood they’ve collected, since donations are only collected by the pint.
General Health
Consider your loved one’s immune system before taking a trip to the blood bank. Being in good health before giving blood is essential, so if the donor has recently experienced an illness like the flu or a cold, they’ll be rejected from giving blood this time around.
The danger of the elderly donating after a recent recovery from an illness is that their chances are increased that the illness will quickly return or symptoms will worsen. Although most people can shrug off the common cold or virus, the elderly can face life-threatening complications when prolonged illnesses arise.
Be Prepared for Individual Circumstances
Some states and blood banks may have their own individual requirements for elderly community members who wish to donate. For example, some associations may require a doctor’s note that ensures the patient’s good health before donating blood.
Before making the trip to the blood bank, it’s always a good idea to call ahead and find out if your local bank has any restrictions or requirements for donators over the age of 65.
How Seniors Can Help Without an Actual Donation
If your loved one is unable to donate blood due to their health, weight, or other underlying circumstances, there are still several ways they can help the cause.
Blood banks always seek volunteers to help with:
- Recruitment for Upcoming Blood Drives
- Donor Registration
- Collecting Donations
Find out from your local blood bank how your loved one can still make a difference!
Make Healthy Senior Choices With Cornerstone Senior Living
At Cornerstone Senior Living communities, the well-being and health of our members is our number one priority. If you know that your elderly loved one is having difficulties living on their own at home, it may be time to discuss moving to independent or assisted living.
We are always happy to welcome new residents to our communities and invite you and your family to take a tour of a Cornerstone community near you. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how we can help your loved one live out their Golden Years in a community that meets their needs.
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I am 91 years old. After a regular medical my G P advised that my iron content (1000) is higher than it should be. While I’m not quite sure what that all means he advised that it should be about 500. the last test showed it to be 650. He suggests I take a further blood test but in the meantime donating blood may assist. In 2018 I suffered a heart attack. Cardiology treatment with stints is keeping me going. For the past 20 years I have and am being treated for Prostate Cancer. Years ago, when I was in business giving blood was routine – that is more than 25 years ago. Question – am I to old, does continuing prostate treatment exclude me? Thank you. I would appreciate a written response.
jesus christ man.. give up donating blood.. My deceased fatther in law became ADDICTED to giving blood every 6-8 weeks.. Whats NOT to like?.. An 89 year old man being surrounded by pretty nurses and then eating a tray full of cookies washed down with fresh squeezed orange juice after EVERY donation.Beats the breakfast he got in the $4k a month nursing home.. Did they use his blood for transfussions?.Nope .Rarely. Why?.. Because he was told many times- his blood was too tired and anemic”..He seldom excercised and seldom walk or jogged at 89..But he REFUSED to give it up.. the blood donation procedure took away the monotony of being in the LONELY nursing home- even For just a FEW hours. He passed away just a year later at age 90 after giving blood every 2 months for THIRTY FIVE YEARS..My advise?..GIVE IT UP, man.. give it up..
Don’t give it up. You like donating blood for many reasons, you’re helping someone else out—continue as long as you can.
I am 81 and for the first time ever I’m thinking of donating blood which is how I went on line to check things out and came across this cite. Is this guy for real – what a jerk. He sounds illiterate. Is my blood still good at my age – I don’t know, but want to find out because I have the universal type O, although I don’t know if I’m negative or positive. I’ll post another response once I find out if I can or if I did donate blood. In meantime Joel man, you might want to see a physician about your blood pressure.
Hi Judy! Go for it. I’m 73 and am 1 unit short of a gallon. It doesn’t hurt except for a tiny pinch when needle goes in. It’s over in 6-8 minutes. The day before you go, eat Salmon, Sardines etc. to elevate your red blood count (which they will measure) A nurse recommended a tablespoon of Molasses for iron.
Also, as a senior, don’t be surprised if you’re more fatigued for about 8-10 days.
Judy my b day is 4/7/41. I’ll be 83 come April. I fully intent to donate blood this week in Fla. I’ve every two months for years. Working on my almost 7th gallon. Sorry I lost out on donations for years. But at 82 I’m healthy n donate regularly to the best of my ability ! Do it Gal
my advice. Shut up
You are mean, lots of people can still donate blood and plasma into 70’s and 80’s as long as they are in good health.
How do you get through life being like you are. Your poor dad was a Saint to have given blood and raised a son like you!
May he RIP
Joel fish my comment was to you and I see he was your father in law. Bless your wife for putting up with you! And again may he RIP
You are mean, lots of people can still donate blood and plasma into 70’s and 80’s as long as they are in good health.
How do you get through life being like you are.
And so he was lonely must mean y’ll and his grand children didn’t go see him enough to not be lonely
I would wait u til your cancer treatment is done. Sending you healing vibes.
You might have hemochromatosis if your iron is high.
I just want to find out my blood type, A or B etc.
Can a healthy 74 year old man donate plasma
I just began donating plasma once a week and am 73 years old. I live in Pennsylvania and donate at CSL Plasma. They have donation centers world wide. You can donate until you’re 75. The pay is generous and it’s great knowing that you’re helping others as well. I only wish I had started years ago.
Hi I thought I might be to old to donate blood but my daughter said on the web it say age limit is 75 ? Is this right ? I’m 74 in very good health don’t take medication for anything and don’t want to make a fool of myself asking
The worst they can tell You is no.
I’m 72 and just started donating plasma once a week. I am doing it primarily to supplement my income and the pay is quite generous. I also like knowing that I’m helping others.
I would like to sell my blood if possible.
There is a severe shortage and i would like to help out my grandchildren.
I am type O positive. In good health and 78 years old .in the past I have given at chrch twice a year.
I just found out some people sell their blood. I realize that the first time isnot compensated. Theiy need to test the qualityof the .
blood.There isno age limit to giving just blood.
Blood plasma donations cut off at 65.
Also I had a transfusion Jan. 10th and in March they did an endyoscope and found I had completely healed .
Thank you.
There is no age limit, as long as you are healthy, don’t take crap that destroys the body from inside. I am 70 and have been donating for years. It is just a good thing to do for your fellow citizens.
I’m 83 and in good health, have AB-, have never donated but thinking about doing it for extra cash, not sure if it is worth it or they will pay, I walk almost daily and work out, have up and down blood tests but nothing bad,
Good for you!
I want to do that, too!
Dave:
I’m turning 65, no 66. I’m starting to give plasma and able to do so until the tell Me no. I plan to give blood because it’s good for the liver. Your Liver
control the blood. Putting it to work will do it no harm and will give You fresh blood. Keep Your Liver healthy with herbs and diet. Even if Your blood
cells get “to old” they still may be able to spin it & use the Plasma. Don’t listen to that Fish. Gill ; if Your Doc said giving blood might help then go talk to
the Blood Bank. ( BUT don’t ask for a withdraw on Halloween ; They look at’cha kind of weird !!)
Unfortunately, there are more thoughtful people like that addictedman. There is a great shortage of blood no e in St.
Louis, Mo.
I’ve never given blood ,am going on73 am dieabeties high blood pressure can I give blood
Joel, I am 81 and for the first time ever I’m thinking of donating blood which is how I went on line to check things out and came across this cite. Is this guy for real – what a jerk. He sounds illiterate. Is my blood still good at my age – I don’t know, but want to find out because I have the universal type O, although I don’t know if I’m negative or positive. I’ll post another response once I find out if I can or if I did donate blood. In meantime Joel man, you might want to see a physician about your blood pressure.
I’m going to be 80 years young in 2 weeks and have been donating every 2 months since the Las Vegas massacre, quite a few years ago. I feel great donating and helping those in need.
I am very upset because except for my 7 spinal fractures from osteoporosis, I am in good health but just turned 77 years old. My regular doctor will not write a letter permitting me to donate blood because of my age. I gave it yesterday because blood bank called doctor on call and felt great. They told me I could not give any more unless I brought a doctors note. I feel it is wrong for my doctor to do this.
I’m 83, in good health. I donate whole blood about 5 times a year, when I’m called in. I always feel better after donating blood. Both physically and psychologically. I want to donate plasma, I’m looking for a place near by.
I’m 82 and O negative. I would be happy to donate blood, now, I believe,there are no restrictions.
When I applied before I was ineligible because I’d been living in the UK when ‘mad cow disease’ was first diagnosed.
Is this true?
So many wonderful people, giving of themselves, literally!
Thank you all!
I am a healthy 81 year old female, have been giving platelets and plasma for about a year, have given over 2 gallon. Don’t know if there is an age limit but haven’t been told so. However if you are being treated for cancer I don’t believe you can give.