Introduction. As is shown from the experience of many years the transplantation of organs is currently the best and very often the only alternative for people with final organ degenerating inefficiency. The development of this field gives the opportunity to improve the quality of life and what is more important it can save life. However, it encounters serious moral, social and human barriers. Aim of the study. Examination and recognition of the state of knowledge of older people about organ transplantation. Material and methods. Research was carried out by diagnostic survey method; author’s own survey form was used. Respondents were asked 24 structured questions about matters related to general knowledge about transplantation as well as specific attitudes in hypothetical situations. Results. Analysis has clearly shown only acceptable level of knowledge of older people, at the same time the largest group represented insufficient knowledge of the subject (37%). It is definitely a poor result and it proves the extensive knowledge gaps about organ transplantation issues. Conclusions. Despite the fact that the vast majority of respondents approve organ transplantation, the state of knowledge of older people on the transplant is insufficient. The education of respondents is a factor affecting the knowledge and attitudes about transplantation of organs. With increasing level of knowledge among older people the number of people accepting the transplantations grows. The place of living is a factor affecting the knowledge and acceptance of organ transplantation among older people – older people, residents of villages have less knowledge about transplantation. There is a need to popularize knowledge on the subject of transplantology among elderly people.

Key words: transplant, brain death, implied assent, allocation.