Blood donation is a simple yet impactful way to support those in need, providing life-saving treatment for patients undergoing surgeries, battling illnesses, or managing chronic conditions. It plays a crucial role in maintaining a stable healthcare system, ensuring that blood supplies are available when emergencies arise.
Among the many contributors to this cause, seniors hold a unique and valuable place. With their willingness to give and their sense of community responsibility, they help sustain blood banks and inspire others to follow suit. Despite common misconceptions about age restrictions, many seniors remain eligible to donate and continue making a difference.
Understanding the importance of their contributions, the challenges they may face, and the potential benefits of blood donation can encourage more seniors to step forward. By recognising their role, we can ensure a steady blood supply while fostering a culture of generosity and care.
Seniors’ Impact on Blood Donation
Blood donation is a simple yet powerful way to save lives, and seniors play a vital role in meeting the ongoing demand. Their contributions help patients in need while also offering personal health benefits.
Lifesaving Impact
Blood donation saves lives. It provides a lifeline for individuals undergoing surgeries, cancer treatments, and those with medical conditions like anaemia or leukaemia. Seniors can make a significant difference by contributing to this life-saving effort.
Supply Shortages
Blood banks in Australia continually require a steady supply of blood to meet the needs of patients – and the demand for new stocks is increasing with an ageing population. Seniors can help bridge the gap and ensure a stable blood supply. The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood service claims to process 1.5m donations every year, but even then stocks may run low depending on the situation.
The agency, in particular, put out a call in August 2023 for more people containing a combination of Type O and A blood to help an SA mother undergoing heart surgery. As combinations of specific blood types are very rare, especially a mix of Type O and A, officials said donors had to be found around the world, with two bags being sent from the UK.
In March 2024, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood reported a need for more donations from people of various ethnic backgrounds to cover certain blood types. A study of 490,000 donors tagged many people of the R1R1 variation, which covers blood Types AB and B, found in people from most of Asia, such as the Middle East and South Asia. When searching for stocks of Kidd blood group system, meanwhile, they can be extracted from people hailing from the Philippines and the South Pacific, specifically New Zealand, Samoa, and Tonga. People from Egypt, Sudan, Kenya, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe, were found to be common in the Duffy blood group system.
Health Benefits for Donors
Blood donation is not only altruistic but also beneficial for the donors themselves. It can stimulate the production of fresh blood cells, which can be especially beneficial for seniors who may be at risk of certain health conditions.
Setting an Example
Seniors who choose to donate blood can inspire younger generations and show that age is no barrier to contributing to the well-being of society. It sets a powerful example of empathy and community spirit. One of the current inspirations in Australia is Kilcoy native Geoff Blogg, who logged 854 donations as of June 2023 and is aiming to reach 1,000 donations by the time he reaches 82 years old. He has been donating blood since 1966 and goes to the blood donation centre in Maroochydore every fortnight.
A situation involving an elderly loved one may also be an inspiration: the Department of Defence took note of RAAF Flt Lt Tanya Carter donating blood as her mother – a cancer survivor – could not be eligible to donate Type O- blood at 80 years old.
James Harrison’s Legacy
James Harrison OAM, known as the “Man with the Golden Arm,” donated blood regularly starting in 1954, following a chest surgery, and saved millions of lives, going under the needle one last time in May 2018, after 1,173 donations. His story is a testament to the enduring impact seniors can have through blood donation, as his blood plasma contained a rare antibody used in a medicine to aid expectant mothers avoid the risk of developing rhesus-D haemolytic disease, which kills unborn children. Sadly, Mr. Harrison passed away on 17 February 2025 at 88 years old, with Lifeblood announcing the news two weeks later.
Blood Donation Eligibility for Seniors
Blood donation in Australia is governed by the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, and there are specific requirements for individuals, including seniors, who wish to donate blood for the first time.
Age Eligibility
In Australia, first-time donors can range between 18 to 75 years old. Seniors over the age of 70 must provide a doctor’s certificate to donate; Lifeblood maintains that people who did start donating blood, blood plasma, and platelets at 75 years old can still do so beyond turning 76 provided they are still in good shape to meet the eligibility criteria.
Health Eligibility
Prospective donors, regardless of age, must be in good health on the day of donation. Certain medical conditions or medications may affect eligibility, so it’s essential to provide accurate health information during the screening process.
Weight and Height
Donors must weigh at least 50 kilograms and meet specific height requirements to ensure they can safely donate blood.
Travel History
Recent travel to specific countries may affect eligibility due to concerns about infectious diseases. Check with the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood for the latest travel-related eligibility guidelines.
Lifestyle and Risk Factors
Some lifestyle factors, such as tattoos, body piercings and sexual activity, can temporarily affect eligibility. High-risk behaviour for bloodborne infections may also impact eligibility. Issues on donations after sexual activity, especially involving homosexuals, have long been a sticking point due to issues of HIV infection. In October 2023, Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman asked federal Health Minister Mark Butler to consider relaxing restrictions on donations from homosexual men but expedite individual risk assessments.
Identification
Donors need to provide identification, such as a driver’s licence or passport, during the registration process.
Recovery Tips for Senior Blood Donors
The recovery period after a blood donation is crucial for seniors to regain their strength and well-being. Following key tips can help ensure a smooth and speedy return to normal health.
Hydrate
Drink plenty of fluids, most particularly water or other non-alcoholic drinks, to help your body replace the lost fluids from the donation. The Lifeblood team recommends that before the donation, male donors must drink at least ten glasses and eight for women.
Rest
Avoid strenuous physical activities for the rest of the day once you are finished with the blood donation.
Snacks
A light snack after the donation may replenish energy exerted during the donation. Some experts claim that salty snack items or fruit such as bananas enable the body to rebuild red blood cells fast in the recovery period.
Diet
Maintain a balanced diet to support the recovery of red blood cells, including iron-rich food. However, even with a balanced diet plan, you must avoid going on a heavy meal after donation to prevent taxing the body so suddenly.
Avoid Alcohol
If you have a tendency for alcoholic drinks but passed the donor eligibility test, you must abstain from drinking for at least 24 hours before and after donation.
Monitor Yourself
Pay attention to how you feel after donation. If you experience any unusual symptoms, contact the donation centre or a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
Given the noted longevity of many Australians, there is a unique opportunity to contribute to the health and well-being of their community by donating blood. Age should not be a barrier to blood donation, and seniors can continue to make a difference well into their golden years. By meeting the eligibility requirements, following recovery tips, and embracing the spirit of giving, seniors can leave a lasting legacy of compassion and support for future generations.
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DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute official medical advice. The Australian Seniors Advantage Group has no working relationships with any medical service nor endorses or disparages blood donations as a healthcare practice.
To schedule a donation with Lifeblood, please call 13 14 95 or visit https://www.lifeblood.com.au/.