Anemia and Older Adults

There are approximately 35 million people in the United States over the age of 65, and it is estimated that within 25 years that number will double. Almost 10 percent of the older population is currently anemic. If you are over the age of 65, it is important to learn about the risks of anemia and what to do if you are experiencing symptoms.

There are different types of anemia, including iron-deficiency anemia (when you do not have enough iron), vitamin-deficiency anemia (when you do not have enough of a vitamin like folic acid), aplastic anemia (when your body stops producing red blood cells), anemia associated with a chronic disease (when anemia results from a condition like kidney disease), and hemolytic anemia (when your body destroys red blood cells).

Where Can I Find More Information?

If you are interested in learning more about blood diseases and disorders, here are a few resources that may be of some help:

Results of Clinical Studies Published in Blood

Search Blood, the official journal of ASH, for the results of the latest blood research. While recent articles generally require a subscriber login, patients interested in viewing an access-controlled article in Blood may obtain a copy by emailing a request to [email protected].

Patient Groups

A list of links to patient groups and other organizations that provide information for patients.