The age limit for blood donors must be increased

The N-VA believes that the current age limit of 65 years for blood donors is outdated. This legal age limit excludes a considerable number of potential and safe donors, so Senator and Doctor Louis Ide tabled a bill to increase the age limit for donating blood to 71 years. With this bill the N-VA is responding to a call from the sector itself. In 2009 the Superior Health Council already formulated a positive opinion on the subject and other countries have long overtaken us on the issue. Following annual authorisation from the doctor, registered donors will be able to continue to donate blood. This is important because older people donate more regularly than other categories. Furthermore the aging population will also mean that more and more people will need blood products. Currently 17% of the Belgian population is 65 years of age or older. In 2030 this figure will rise to 23%. It is estimated that 75% of blood supplies will be used by this population group. This means a growing consumption of 37,488 donations a year by 2060. The bill is not intended to allow new donors who are over the age of 65 years to start donating blood.