Hematologic data of healthy very old people.

Hematologic values were analyzed for 44 people who were 84 years of age or older. Individuals were selected based on extensive long-term records confirming their excellent health. Mean hemoglobin values were 14.8 +/- 1.1 g/dL (148 +/- 11 g/L) for men and 13.6 +/- 1.0 g/dL (136 +/- 10 g/L) for women. Mean values were also computed for red blood cell indexes, red and white blood cell counts, sedimentation rate, and serum iron, and all values were compared with those of a concurrent control group of healthy young adults. Results are discussed in the context of previous reports on hematologic data of the elderly.