NHS is calling for more younger donors to give blood as it is revealed that for the first time in five years there are more donors over the age of 45 than under.
Older people now make up 51 percent of regular donors , overtaking 17-44-year-olds who had been in the majority since 2018.
Meanwhile, the proportion of the youngest donors has shrunk, with only half as many 17-24-year-olds giving blood now compared with five years ago
NHS Blood and Transplant has revealed the statistics as it calls for more younger people to become lifesavers in 2024 in the latest phase of its Giving Types campaign.
It is calling on 17 to 35-year-olds to make a ‘no sweat, feel good’ start to the year – giving blood – that will easily slot into their lives alongside even the most committed exercise regime.
The proportion of older donors has steadily increased over recent years
Currently around 408,000 of the 798,000 people who regularly give blood are 45 or over. Older donors are now in the majority in every region of England except for London.
Dr Jo Farrar, Chief Executive of NHS Blood and Transplant, said:
“Because lifesaving blood only has a short shelf life, we need to constantly collect it and need a steady stream of new donors.
“For the first time in five years, we have more donors who are aged over 45 than under, so it has never been more important for younger people to become lifesavers by giving blood.
“Giving blood feels great. In just one hour you can save up to three lives. Please register and book your first appointment today.”
