Considering the scarcity of organs for transplantation, one possible solution is the use of grafts from aged donors (over 50 years). We have reviewed our experience in the case of kidney transplantation considering the period from 1989-1994 in order to attain a minimum follow-up of 36 months. We compare three groups: donors aged between 50-60 years (n = 32), donors aged over 60 years (n = 25) and a control group formed by donors of "ideal" ages. The results show that kidneys from donors over 60 years evidence, as compared to the control group, a higher incidence of acute tubular necrosis (p = 0.032), significantly higher blood creatinine levels in all the intervals considered, and a graft survival which is 14% less at 12 months and 40% less at 36 months (p = 0.0009). These differences are most probably to be attributed to the changes caused in these organs by advancing age and by previous pathological situations, as we have not detected a higher incidence of immunologic or surgical complications.