Singapore to Raise Age Limit for First-Time Blood Donors from 60 to 65 Next Year

(Singapore, 29th) In order to meet the needs of a super-aged society, starting from January 1 next year, the age limit for first-time blood donors will be raised from 60 to 65, so as to expand the pool of donors.
The Singapore Red Cross and the Health Sciences Authority held a World Blood Donor Day celebration on Saturday (June 28). The event's guest of honor, Minister for Social Policies Coordination and Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung, announced the above news in his speech.
He pointed out that the intensifying aging population has increased Singapore’s demand for blood, while the supply has been restricted by a decrease in the number of eligible donors. The number of new blood donors has also dropped, from more than 20,000 in 2013 to about 18,000 in 2024.
According to a statement released by the Singapore Red Cross and the Health Sciences Authority, population aging poses a double challenge. Patients aged 60 and above currently account for 60% of the total red blood cell usage, while the number of eligible donors is decreasing. Since 2013, the number of new blood donors has dropped by more than 11%. This trend is concerning, as Singapore's demand for blood will only continue to rise.

Ong Ye Kung said that many willing elderly contributors are unable to donate blood due to the first-time donor age limit of 60. The original purpose of this rule was to ensure that older, potentially more frail individuals do not experience adverse reactions following blood donation.
However, with the increase in life expectancy in Singapore, those aged 60 and above are generally healthier. Local data also shows that among first-time donors, the occurrence of adverse reactions actually decreases as age approaches the 60-year limit. Therefore, adverse reactions are not expected to suddenly increase after 60.
The Health Sciences Authority has decided to raise the age limit for first-time blood donors from 60 to 65 starting January 1 next year. This measure aligns with international practices in places such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, Ireland, the Netherlands, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.
At the award ceremony held on Saturday morning, Ong Ye Kung presented awards to 2,076 blood donors and 37 organizations to commend their valuable contributions to saving lives and to the national blood donation program.