Aging platelets shift their hemostatic properties to inflammatory functions. Schematic representation of a normal platelet life cycle (top left), with platelet production in balance with platelet clearance and aging platelets in the circulation. The functional competency of platelets shifts, as proposed by Anjum et al, from a hemostatic to an inflammatory mode as they age. In general terms, an altered platelet life cycle (top right) occurs when, due to various reasons, there is stress megakaryopoiesis (with the release if immature platelets, represented as dotted circles) or accelerated platelet clearance. Platelet qualitative differences due to stress production, or modifications while in circulation, including aging, impact the platelet functional competency (center, focusing on aging). In summary, a normal platelet life cycle (physiological conditions of health) implies a balanced proportion of newly produced, aging, and cleared platelets. A disrupted platelet life cycle (due to a compromised health status or treatment) implies a dysbalanced proportion of platelets enriched for specific functional competencies. Finally, as platelets also age in platelet concentrates for transfusion, there will be functional shifts with storage time, in addition to potential changes driven by the platelet storage lesion. Older concentrates might potentially lead to transfusion-related adverse events in vulnerable hosts (with special concern when their platelet life cycle is altered or with underlying inflammation). DIC, disseminated intravascular coagulation; H, hemostasis; I, inflammation. The figure was created based on sketches by the author.