Anemia and Aging or Anemia of Aging?

The Western population is aging. Currently, individuals aged 65 and older represent 12% of the US population and by the year 2030 they are expected to represent 20% (1). The segment of the population increasing more rapidly than any other involves individuals over 85, the so called “oldest old.” The mean life expectancy of the population was around 60 years in 1900, is currently 80 for women and 76 for man and is expected to rise to 84 and 80, respectively, in 2030 (1).

This epidemic presents medical and social implications. Aging is associated with increased prevalence of chronic diseases, disabilities and functional dependence, that in turn lead to increased demand for medical services as well as for social services and care-giving (2, 3).While aging cannot be prevented, the complications of aging may be preventable or at least delayed. Compression of morbidity may prolong the independence and improve the quality of life of the older aged person and at the same time it may minimize the management-related costs (4, 5).

This chapter explores the interactions of anemia and aging that are of interest for at least three reasons. First, incidence and prevalence of anemia increase with aging (6–8). Second anemia may represent the early sign of an underlying serious disease such as cancer, hypothyroidism or malabsorption (6). Third, anemia itself is associated with increased mortality and disability (7). It is reasonable to expect that prompt and effective management of anemia may help compress the aging-related morbidity.