Ohio Department of Aging
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April 2008
Civic Engagement: Never Too Old to Donate Life
Nearly 10,000 people nationwide are waiting on a transplant list. Someone who needs a heart can expect to wait, on average, 230 days. The average waiting time for a kidney is 1,121 days and for a liver, 796 days. Many on those lists will die before a suitable organ becomes available - deaths that could be prevented if more people became organ donors.
Some older individuals may consider themselves too old to be an organ donor, but to someone who needs a transplant, the condition of the organ is far more important than the donor's age. Someone who is 35 years old with a history of alcohol abuse may have a liver that is in worse condition than someone who is 60 years old and has never had a drink.
Organ and tissue donors give individuals a second chance at healthy, productive, normal lives and return them to their families, friends and communities. One person, when he or she makes the commitment to be a donor, can help save seven lives and improve the quality of nearly 50 people's lives. Many organs and tissues can be donated, including the heart, liver and kidneys, as well as skin, bone, heart valves and eyes.
The donor's family pays only for the donor's medical care and funeral costs, but does not pay for the donation.
Individuals wishing to become organ donors may register with the Ohio donor registry and designate their decision on their driver's licenses. Once you've signed up to be a donor, discuss the decision with your family so that they will know your wishes should the worst happen.
Ohio Department of Aging