Organ donation offers a second chance at life for individuals facing organ failure. A common misunderstanding is that age dictates eligibility, leading many to believe older individuals cannot donate. This article clarifies that age alone does not disqualify someone from donating organs.
Age is Not a Barrier to Donation
Eligibility for organ donation depends on an individual’s overall health and organ condition, not their age. Medical advancements have expanded the pool of eligible donors to include many older individuals. Many maintain excellent organ health, allowing them to provide life-saving gifts. For instance, a 98-year-old became the oldest recorded organ donor in the United States by donating his liver, saving a 72-year-old woman’s life. The focus is on physiological health, not just years lived.
Comprehensive Medical Assessment
All potential organ donors undergo a thorough medical evaluation to determine organ suitability. This assessment includes a review of medical history, physical examinations, and laboratory tests. Blood and urine samples are analyzed for overall health and organ function.
Imaging scans, such as CT scans and chest X-rays, assess the health of specific organs like kidneys and lungs. For older donors, additional cardiac testing may be conducted. This evaluation ensures donated organs are viable for transplantation, minimizing risks for recipients.
Viable Organs from Older Donors
Even if not all organs are suitable for donation, many individual organs and tissues from older donors can still be viable and needed. Kidneys, liver, and corneas are frequently and successfully transplanted from older individuals. For example, a 95-year-old liver donor enhanced the lives of more than 20 people by also donating tissue and skin.
Beyond major organs, tissues such as skin, heart valves, bone, veins, tendons, and ligaments can also be donated. These donations can restore sight, cover burns, repair hearts, and mend damaged connective tissues. The decision about which organs or tissues are suitable is made by medical specialists at the time of donation, considering the donor’s medical history.
Becoming an Organ Donor
Individuals interested in becoming organ donors, regardless of their age, can take clear, actionable steps to register their decision. The most common methods include signing up online through a state’s donor registry or indicating the decision when obtaining or renewing a driver’s license. The iPhone Health app also provides an option to register, sending information to a national computer system.
It is important to discuss one’s wishes with family members. While registration serves as legal consent, families are often involved in the donation process. Sharing this decision with loved ones can help ensure that wishes are honored during a difficult time. Registering as an organ donor is a powerful way to leave a legacy of saving lives.