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Organisations that fund health research have committed to “actively supporting the inclusion of older adults in research”, particularly where health conditions particularly impact this group.
A statement of intent, published on 11 August 2025 by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and signed by 43 organisations, noted that older adults are currently “disproportionally underrepresented” in research, relative to the proportion of disease that affects this demographic.
“Excluding older adults from relevant research is unethical and often leads to research not being representative of the groups who have most disease. It can result in treatments that are less effective for the very people who most need support,” the statement added.
The organisations committed to “actively supporting the inclusion of older adults in research”, and to “challenge any unwarranted exclusion of older adults or those with long-term conditions (multimorbidity) from research”.
“These exclusions are rarely justified and fail to align with the principles of equity and scientific excellence,” the statement said.
The statement was signed by 43 organisations, including the National Institute for Health and Care Research, Diabetes UK, British Geriatrics Society and more.
Health minister Karin Smyth commented: “We know that older people are more likely to face long-term health conditions like cancer and dementia, yet recent data shows that only one in seven people taking part in vital medical research studies are over 75 [years].
“If we want tomorrow’s treatments to work for everyone today, older people must be part of the research that creates them.”
Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England, said: “Despite often having the highest levels of need, older adults are frequently left out of research that directly affects their care. This exclusion can lead to gaps in evidence, less effective treatments, and care that isn’t properly tailored to those who use services the most. As the population ages, it’s essential that research reflects the people it aims to serve.”
Claire Anderson, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), said the RPS supports efforts to ensure clinical trials and other research reflected the population it serves.
“Older people are often the most affected by long-term conditions and medicines use, yet they remain underrepresented in clinical trials and other studies,” she said. “This can lead to treatments and services that do not fully meet their needs.
“We support efforts to ensure research reflects the diversity of the population it serves, including older adults with multiple conditions, so that care can be evidence-based, effective and equitable.”
In June 2025, a report produced by researchers at the University of Liverpool, Manchester Metropolitan University and University College London said that patients and healthcare professionals wanted to see “traditionally excluded” people — such as older people, women, ethnic minorities and children — included in research design and recruitment.
