Current Bioethical Issues in Geriatric Organ Transplantation

Purpose of Review: There have been many recent developments in geriatric organ transplantation. This review covers the current ethical issues concerning geriatric organ allocation, donation of organs to older recipients, and donation of organs from older donors. Recent Findings: The population is rapidly aging, yet there is a lack of consensus for the best model for organ allocation in older adults. Young-to-old living donation is complicated by family dynamics. Frailty and cognitive impairment are commonly used to determine which adults gain access to transplantation, but many older recipients still feel overwhelmed and unprepared for organ transplantation. Countries outside of the USA are more likely to utilize organs from older donors. Increasing donation in the geriatric population is an important step to alleviating the organ shortage and necessitates a thorough discussion with potential donors and recipients. Summary: While there is an active discussion surrounding the field of geriatric organ transplantation, there is a paucity of research on the corresponding bioethical issues. Future work is needed to advance policy, law, and ethical guidelines for geriatric organ allocation.