To assess quality of life through self-administered KDQOL-sf (Kidney Disease Quality of Life - short form) by patients on hemodialysis (HD) classified according to age.

We randomly 159 hemodialysis patients and applied the KDQOL-sf between February/10 and March/11. We evaluated the quality of life based on scores below or above 50, on all scales, according to age < 60 years (n = 85) and ≥ 60 years (n = 74).

In patients < 60 years, the scales in which they had poorer quality of life were: physical function 47/85 (55.3%), Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) burden 46/85 (54.1%), professional role 57/85 (67.1%) and sexual function 47/85 (55.3%). In patients ≥ 60 years, the scales with poorer quality of life were: physical functioning 47/74 (62.2%), physical function 51/74 (68.9%), general health 38/74 (51.3%), energy / fatigue 45/74 (60.8%), CKD burden 56/74 (75.7%), professional role 49/74 (66.2%) and sexual function 60/74 (81.1%).

While patients younger than 60 years have a quality of life decrease in 4 scales, patients with more than 60 years have worsened in 7 scales, with significant worsening of sexual function. We conclude that the quality of life is more impaired in the elderly undergoing HD.