Anaemia in old age: a study of prevalence and causes

A study of the prevalence and causes of anaemia in 559 randomly selected people aged 65 years and over living in their own home, in residential homes or in hospitals was made. In the population 65 years and over 7.1 percent were found to have a haemoglobin level less than 120 g/l and 2.5 percent a haemoglobin level less than 110/gl. The majority who were anaemic suffered from multiple and chronic diseases. The dietary intake of the anaemic was similar to those with a normal haemoglobin. In women aged 80 years or more, the haemoglobin level decreased significantly with age. Women had lower haemoglobin levels than men.