What changes may occur in blood due to aging?

"The rise in fibrinogen is the most common and significant change in blood during aging because it contributes to a rise in plasma viscosity, red blood cell aggregation and a rise in blood viscosity at low shear rates. Increased age is associated with a state of hypercoagulation of blood, making older people more susceptible to clot formation and atherosclerosis."

As with all body systems, changes in blood also occur as a body ages. Understanding changes in blood are important when specimens are collected and being prepared to be stored. Knowing what changes can be expected with age is helpful in educating patients and in recognizing potential issues that may arise with a specimen.Share your knowledge of changes that may occur.

"Since aging causes a reduction in total body water, blood volume decreases due to less fluid being present in the bloodstream. The number of red blood cells, and the corresponding hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, are reduced which contributes to fatigue in the individual."