For some time now I've been donating blood for no better reason than I was talked into it (I am a chicken). Anyway, the other day when donating I mentioned to the Nurse that I'd be 70 in a few months so I might only be able to donate and other 4 times till my 71st birthday which was the cutoff age. She said she'd check on this and when she came back she informed me that the rules have been changed and I can donate till my 81st birthday! Apparently that's the deal as long as you are still 'fit'.
That means I'm good for 'something' for the next 11 years and can at least contribute something to those not in my position - fingers crossed.
My wife and I are BITTERLY disappointed that we are not allowed to donate blood, ex-POM's who lived in the UK during the foot and mouth epidemic are banned from donating, bit of a shame really as my blood is not a "stock standard" vintage. My wife reached Gold status in excess of 100 pints and I was in the early stages at Bronze. We have on numerous occasions questioned why we can't just have our blood tested and get an all clear and donate again. Apparently there is no test!! A great shame, but well done to you for your efforts.
Mark
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Mark & Linda
A man who asks a question is a fool for five minutes, but ask no questions and your a fool for life!!
Mark - the point I was trying to make was that it's possible to give blood till you are 81.....most 81 year olds I know would have to be wheeled out of the 'letting' room after donating! 81 is pretty old in my books despite the fact that it's just over 10 years away for me but I guess plenty of 81 year olds would say it's young.
I don't need credits for donating blood - I reckon I owe plenty to society in general. Your wife has donated 12 1/2 gallons - that's a lot of blood. Not sure if they have different status points here - I've been donating now for 5 years or so which is 10 litres or so ....half a jerry can.... so I'm just a beginner.
You'd think that even with the risk of 'mad cow' disease there would be something useful they could extract from your blood, but I guess they know their job.
I've been donating blood since I was in my 20's, and have given over 100 donations without ever needing any back for myself (so far anyway). I've got one of the most common blood types, and I'm told by the medicos that just means it's needed more often. I'm glad to hear I'll be able to go on donating till 81. Having been a single working mum and now a single pensioner, it's the only thing I could reliably afford to donate, and I always seem to have plenty to spare PS I have received a "50 donations" key ring and if I remember rightly some sort of certificate as well, so there must be some kind of recognition system, but I've never really worried about it, just happy to share what I can. Oh, and the free snacks are always good
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Cheers, Marianna.
The more I learn about people, the more I like my dogs (Mark Twain)
I've been donating blood since I was in my 20's, and have given over 100 donations without ever needing any back for myself (so far anyway) SNIP Oh, and the free snacks are always good
Have to agree - the coffee and sandwiches/bikkies are always welcome. I think they put a lot of thought and training into the people that staff and volunteer at the Blood Bank as they are always friendly and non-patronising. Always a smile and a friendly goodbye.
