SINGAPORE – Mr Lian Tian Teng is pumped for his 235th blood donation in a week’s time.
While he is among Singapore’s more prolific donors, the 61-year-old is hoping to induct fresh blood among peers his age.
Since Jan 2, the upper age limit for first-time blood donors in Singapore has been raised from 60 to 65, in a move to expand the city-state’s blood supply in tandem with longer life expectancy and better health in older age.
The change means that new donors can give blood up to one day before their 66th birthday, while repeat donors can continue to do so until the age of 75, up to one day before their 76th birthday. Donors must, in general, be in good health, free of infection symptoms and weigh at least 45kg.
Local data showed that adverse donor reactions such as fainting and dizziness
decrease among first-time donors
as they get older.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung had announced the change in June 2025.
The new age limit also aligns with practices in jurisdictions such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, Ireland, the Netherlands, South Korea and Britain, which generally allow first-time donors aged 65 to 69.
Mr Lian, a Tower Transit facilities executive, said he has been encouraging his friends to give blood donation a try. “There is no need to fear – the environment is so cosy and the expertise of the nurses makes it a good experience,” said the regular donor at Bloodbank@HSA in Outram.
While a handful of new donors in this age group have come forward, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said it is hopeful that the move will see many more seniors like Mr Lian contribute to Singapore’s national blood programme.
