OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the HRQoL of the patients who started RRT in our region during last two years (N = 284) following them along the time and searching for differences between elderly (? 65 years) and younger patients. METHODS: Preliminary results of 66 patients who remained in HD during one year are shown. Patients excluded: a total of 8 because of cognitive deterioration. An interview was carried out at three months from start and one year later, using the SF-36 Health Survey, obtaining a Physical (PCS) and a Mental (MCS) Component Summary Scores, and the Physical Symptom scale (PSS) of the Kidney Disease Questionnaire(KDQ). Sociodemographic and clinical data, Karnofsky Scale and a comorbidity index were also collected. SF-36 scores were standardized using the Spanish general population norms. RESULTS: Mean age = 66.8±13.1 years (elderly 71.2%); 56% men.The main analytic and clinical parameters did not change after one year: hemoglobin = 11.5±1 versus 11.1±1.5gr./dL.; Albumin = 3.6±0.2 versus 3.6±0.4gr./L.; Creatinine = 8.13±2.39 versus 7.87±1.14mgr./dL. Karnofsky Scale score showed small variation: 70.3±17.2 versus 72.5±17.9(n.s.). The mean score of the PSS slightly increased after one year, indicating improvement: 4.1±1.3 versus 5.1±2.1(n.s.). The PCS mean score of younger pts. (39.6±15.0 ) was statistically significant worse than that of elderly (47.0 ± 8.6) at the start (p <0.05), but not at the end (44.4 ± 12.5) vs (48.0 ± 8.2 )( n.s.). The PCS mean score of younger pts. was statistically significant better after one year, indicating improvement: 39.6±15.0 vs 44.4±12.5 (p <0.05). No statistically significant differences were found for MCS. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly pts. showed lower loss of HRQoL than younger pts. at start and one year later. The HRQoL of elderly who started RRT remained stable after one year of follow-up. The HRQoL of younger pts. improved at one year of follow-up in physical aspects but not in mental aspects.