How to Recruit More Seniors for Your Clinical Trial

As the U.S. population ages, the importance of including seniors in clinical trials has never been greater. By 2060, nearly 24% of Americans will be over the age of 65, yet this demographic remains underrepresented in clinical research. In 2025, only about 4% of adult Americans have participated in a clinical trial, with even lower participation rates among older adults. This gap poses significant challenges for developing treatments that are safe and effective for the aging population.

In this blog post, we'll explore the unique barriers to senior participation in clinical trials and provide actionable strategies to enhance recruitment and retention of older adults in your studies.

Understanding the Barriers to Senior Participation

1. Health-Related Eligibility Constraints

Older adults often have multiple chronic conditions and take several medications, which can exclude them from trials with rigid eligibility requirements. This underrepresentation is especially pronounced among those aged 75 and older.

2. Logistical and Mobility Issues

Transportation difficulties, limited mobility, and the need for caregiver support often make it difficult for seniors to attend study visits at centralized locations.

3. Lack of Awareness and Trust

Many seniors are unaware of clinical trial opportunities or are hesitant to participate due to mistrust stemming from past abuses in medical research.

4. Digital Divide

Despite growing tech adoption, many seniors are not comfortable with digital platforms used in modern recruitment, limiting exposure to online trial listings.

Proven Strategies to Improve Senior Recruitment

1. Simplify Eligibility Criteria

Revisit and relax exclusion criteria to accommodate age-related comorbidities, ensuring more seniors can participate without compromising study safety.

2. Leverage Community Partnerships

Partner with local organizations such as senior centers, community health clinics, and faith-based groups to promote awareness and trust.

3. Utilize Traditional Media Channels

Invest in advertising through newspapers, local radio, and community bulletins that align with the media consumption habits of older adults.

4. Offer Transportation and Flexible Scheduling

Providing transport services or flexible time slots for study visits can help overcome logistical barriers to participation.

5. Implement Decentralized Trial Models

Using a decentralized clinical trial model could include telehealth visits, home healthcare services, and remote monitoring to reduce the need for travel and increase trial accessibility for seniors.

6. Enhance Communication and Education

Design patient materials using large fonts, clear language, and culturally sensitive messaging to ensure understanding and comfort.

7. Engage Caregivers and Family Members

Caregivers often play a crucial role in healthcare decisions for older adults. Involving them early can improve consent rates and ongoing participation.

Building Trust Through Community Engagement

Trust is foundational to recruiting older adults. Hosting informational sessions, health fairs, and Q&A events in local communities can help familiarize seniors with the benefits and safety of participating in clinical trials. When outreach is conducted by trusted local figures or organizations, it increases the likelihood of positive response.

Technology Adoption Among Seniors

While a digital divide still exists, it's narrowing. Seniors are the fastest-growing group of tablet and smartphone users. Offering user-friendly digital apps tailored to older adults, featuring simple interfaces and built-in reminders, can improve both recruitment and retention. Solutions that support tech onboarding for seniors can further bridge the gap.

Retention Strategies for Senior Participants

1. Regular Follow-Up and Support

Maintaining consistent, empathetic communication keeps participants informed and engaged throughout the study duration.

2. Provide Incentives and Recognition

Small gestures of appreciation like thank-you cards or stipends can go a long way in fostering goodwill and continued participation.

3. Monitor and Address Health Changes

Adapt study protocols as needed to ensure the health and comfort of participants as they age or experience new conditions during the trial.

Making Clinical Trials More Inclusive for Seniors

Recruiting seniors for clinical trials is essential for developing treatments tailored to an aging population. By understanding the unique challenges seniors face, and addressing them through thoughtful trial design, strategic outreach, and ongoing support, you can make your study more inclusive and impactful. With the right approach, senior recruitment can shift from a barrier to a strategic advantage in clinical research.

Looking to run a clinical trial with a wide range of participants? Citruslabs has millions of volunteers in our database, learn more about how we can customize a trial for your brand and contact us today.