Enhancing Participation of People Aged 75+ in Clinical and Applied Health Research Through Inclusive, Technology-Enabled Methodologies

Abstract

Older adults, aging 75 years and older are barely represented in clinical and applied health research because of health-related limitations, barriers to digital access, and methodological approaches. This study sought to co-design, trial and evaluate inclusive, digital ways to support the participation of older adults in health research. A mixed methods design was employed, comprising a quantitative phase (N = 50) followed by qualitative interviews (n = 12). The quantitative part highlighted that 66% of participants had access to a digital device whereas 48% of participants reported low confidence in their ability to use devices. Age sub-group analysis indicated that participants aged 80+ years, indicated significantly lower confidence and willingness to participate compared to those aged 75-79 years. The qualitative part revealed four themes: barriers vs facilitators to digital participation, importance of human support, trust and motivation, and preference for hybrid approaches. These findings demonstrate the need for practical, feasible and scalable strategies including caregiver supported digital participation, an emphasis on simplified technologies and flexible hybrid recruitment strategies. This study contributes to an emerging body of literature on inclusive methods and practical recommendations for enhancing the relevance and accessibility of health research for and with older adults.