Older Adults Key to Clinical Trials

Most clinical trials exclude older adults, even though these patients often suffer from the conditions being studied. This gap leaves many seniors without data on how medications affect their specific physiology. Experts say participation is a practical way to access new care, not a last resort. The following points outline how to evaluate a study, what participants receive, and why inclusion matters for the wider population.

The first step in choosing a trial is to identify the specific scientific question the study aims to answer. Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, advises participants to shift their focus from personal outcomes to the study’s primary objective. “I think the first thing we have to do is not think about, ‘Can this clinical trial help me?’ but ‘What is this clinical trial trying to answer?’” Rogers said. “That’s what most of these trials are about.” This approach helps individuals determine if the trial aligns with their health goals.

Many people view clinical trials as a final option when other treatments have failed. Rogers notes that this perspective misses a key benefit: early access. “I think a lot of people think that it’s a last resort option, that you don’t have anything else, when in fact one of the biggest benefits is it gives you access,” Rogers said. “You get great access to tomorrow’s medicines today, devices, therapies and other things that will not be available to everybody else for years.” Participants can also expect close monitoring and access to specialists.

Potential participants can locate studies through several channels. Rogers recommends searching ClinicalTrials.gov, consulting with a personal physician, or checking academic centers and disease-specific organizations that run their own research. Amy O’Rourke, an aging expert, adds that the National Institutes of Health maintains a list of trials and identifies which ones compensate participants. Some studies also cover expenses like gas, and some pay participants directly.

Participants must understand that they may receive a placebo rather than the experimental drug. O’Rourke emphasizes the importance of setting realistic expectations before enrollment. “You might be the one getting the placebo, you might get the drug itself,” O’Rourke said. “So knowing that going in, the expectation wouldn’t be that I’m going to get the drug or that I’m going to see if I’m going to get better.” She has observed that many participants leave trials feeling hopeful and connected to their community. Clients who joined local trial groups reported finding support from social workers and access to community resources they previously did not know about. “The social workers there were amazing,” O’Rourke said. “They had support groups, and it gave them access to resources in the community that they didn’t know about, in addition to all the medical specialists. So I saw that being a huge value for people, especially when you’re older.”

Older adults are frequently omitted from research, a gap O’Rourke describes as making them “evidence free.” Gerontologist “Sam” Cradduck explains that this exclusion is problematic because medications metabolize differently in older bodies. “Medication metabolizes so differently in our older community than it does in our younger community, so without having them as participants, they’re often walking blind,” Cradduck said. Because new medicines require clinical trials for approval, participation by seniors is necessary to develop safe and effective treatments for their demographic. “You can’t have a new medicine come out without a clinical trial. It’s not going to be approved,” Cradduck said. “If we want new medications, if we want new hope, we have to have these clinical trials.”

The concern about being a “guinea pig” is common among potential participants. Cradduck counters this by noting that trials are not the first stage of testing. “You’re not a guinea pig,” she said. “By the time it’s reached this point, it has been thoroughly tested repeatedly.” She also notes that adverse effects can occur with any prescribed medication, making informed participation a standard part of medical care.

The information provided by these experts is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Individuals should consult a licensed physician before making decisions about their health. Those seeking personal medical advice or treating a specific condition should speak with a qualified health provider. In the event of a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

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