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Can You Be Too Old to Donate Organs?

Senior citizens may be hesitant to become organ donors because they believe they are too old to donate. But experts say that one can never be too old to donate organs.

  1. No cutoff age

    • The Mayo Clinic says there is no "cutoff age" for donating organs. Whether your organs will be useful is determined by other medical factors, but not by age. (Ref. 1.)

    Donor health

    • According to the U.S. government's organ donor website, overall health is more important than age when it comes to organ donation. Even those with illness or certain medical conditions may be suitable donors in some cases. (Ref. 2.)

    Transplants from seniors

    • Successful transplants have been made with organs from people of all ages, from babies to seniors. When a donation opportunity arises, doctors will decide if your organs are suitable. (Refs. 1, 2.)

    Cost

    • Money should not be a factor in deciding whether to be an organ donor, because there is no cost to the donor or his family. The price of transplants is covered entirely by the organ recipient. (Ref. 1.)

    Urgent need

    • According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 100,000 people are waiting for organ transplants. (Ref. 3.) Seniors should not allow the fear of being too old stop them from considering organ donation.

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