What age do you have to be to give blood

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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You are eligible to donate blood if you are in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and are 17 years or older.

You are not eligible to donate blood if you:

• Have ever used self-injected drugs (non-prescription)
• Had hepatitis
• Are in a high-risk group for AIDS

The FDA regulation states that a male who has had sex with another male (MSM) at any time since 1977 is prohibited from donating as a volunteer (males who have had sex with other males are allowed to donate for their own health). Some health considerations or medications may require temporary deferral from donating blood. Donor eligibility is determined at the time of donation by trained personnel. See Basic Eligibility Guidelines for more details.

Basic Eligibility Guidelines

Age: You must be at least 17 years old to donate to the general blood supply. There is no upper age limit for blood donation as long as you are well with no restrictions or limitations to your activities.

High Blood Pressure: Acceptable as long as your blood pressure is below 180 systolic (first number) and below 100 diastolic (second number) at the time of donation. Medications for high blood pressure do not disqualify you from donating.

Body Piercing: You must not donate if you have had a tongue, nose, belly button or genital piercing in the past 12 months. Donors with pierced ears are eligible.

Cold and Flu: Wait if you have a fever or a productive cough (bringing up phlegm). Wait if you do not feel well on the day of donation. Wait until you have completed antibiotic treatment for sinus, throat or lung infection.

Diabetes: Acceptable as long as it is well controlled, whether medication is taken or not.

Diet: A meal is recommended at least four hours prior to donation. Drink plenty of fluids.

MSM: Men who have had sex with other men, at any time since 1977 (the beginning of the AIDS epidemic in the United States) are currently deferred as blood donors. This is because MSM are, as a group, at increased risk for HIV, hepatitis B and certain other infections that can be transmitted by transfusion.

Tattoos: One-year deferral.

Weight: You must weigh at least 110 pounds to be eligible for blood donation for your own safety. Blood volume is in proportion to body weight. Donors who weigh less than 110 pounds may not tolerate the removal of the required volume of blood as well as those who weigh more than 110 pounds. There is no upper weight limit as long as your weight is not higher than the weight limit of the donor bed or lounge you are using. You can discuss any upper weight limitations of beds and lounges with your local health historian.

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