Background: In the context of a growing number of older ESRD patients, we aimed to understand experiences, perceptions, and concerns about successful aging (SA) among KT candidates and KT recipients.

Methods: 10 in-person focus groups were conducted with a total of 19 older (age≥50) KT candidates and 20 recipients. The transcribed audio recordings were analyzed thematically using 105 inductively-derived codes.

Results: Five common themes about SA were identified among candidates and recipients: adherence (appropriate diet, physical exercise, regular medical care); personal agency (remaining independent, embracing limitations); increased resilience (successfully adjusting to ESRD, dialysis, and/or transplant); support systems (family, peer, and community support, spirituality); and preparing for older age (accessibility, retirement). Two KT candidates believed SA could only be achieved after KT. Candidate-specific concerns about SA hinged on dialysis-related restrictions such as inability to work and limited lifespan on dialysis while recipient-specific concerns about SA hinged on post-KT lifestyle changes such as medication side effects, diminished immune system, and fear of losing their transplant.

Conclusion: Both KT candidates and recipients seek to achieve SA. Concerns about SA, framed by ESRD and KT experiences, highlighted the increased resilience gained from managing ESRD, but also the need for formal/informal support systems. Clinicians caring for an aging KT population should discuss these perceptions and concerns with patients at KT evaluation and throughout post-KT follow-up care.

CITATION INFORMATION: Warsame F., Rasmussen S., Eno A., Mountford A., Haugen C., McAdams-DeMarco M., Segev D. Experiences, Perceptions, and Concerns about Successful Aging among KT Candidates and Recipients Am J Transplant. 2017;17 (suppl 3).

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