Why Older Adults Must Be Included in Health Research

Leading UK charities are calling for the removal of age restrictions in health research to ensure older adults are fully represented in clinical trials and studies

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared in Care Home Professional

A coalition of 40 leading UK health funders and charities has called for the removal of unnecessary and arbitrary age limits in health research, particularly for people over 75. Signatories include the British Heart Foundation, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), Age UK, Cancer Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society and the Medical Research Council. The joint statement of intent urges researchers to ensure that older adults are properly represented in clinical trials and other health studies, highlighting the need for research to reflect the populations most affected by disease.

Underrepresentation of Older Adults

Despite bearing a disproportionate share of health conditions, older adults are significantly underrepresented in research. Excluding individuals based on age often results in findings that do not reflect the needs of those who most require treatment, potentially producing interventions that are less effective for the population they are intended to help. Many research teams cite concerns about frailty or the impact of multiple health conditions as reasons for limiting participation by older adults. In some studies, restrictions start as early as age 65, preventing many from taking part in vital research.

Impact on Treatment and Public Health

The charities argue that including older people in research is essential not only for clinical trials but also for the development of social and public health strategies aimed at improving the quality of life for the aging population. According to the Office for National Statistics, around 50% of people aged 65 and over in the UK live with at least two long-term conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or arthritis, and nearly 25% have three or more. This growing prevalence of complex health needs makes it even more critical to study how interventions perform in older adults, ensuring treatments are safe, effective and tailored to their specific circumstances.

Aligning with National Priorities

The statement follows the Chief Medical Officer’s Annual 2023 report on healthy aging, which highlighted that older people, particularly those living with multiple long-term conditions, are routinely underrepresented in clinical trials and other health studies. The report emphasises that equitable inclusion in research is essential to improving health outcomes, preventing unnecessary complications, and addressing the needs of an increasingly aging population. By ending arbitrary age restrictions, research can become more ethical, representative, and relevant, ultimately benefiting both older adults and wider society.