Challenges and Recommendations for Proxy Reporting in Aging Research: A Brief Commentary

Abstract

The US has an aging population that is under-represented in research. Many older adults face barriers to research participation, such as mobility issues, comorbidities, and declining physical and cognitive health, which make it harder for them to understand study processes and give informed consent. Proxies can be family members, paid or unpaid caregivers, or healthcare providers who provide health information for older adults. Proxy reporting is an important resource in aging research, but it is fraught with several challenges that can impact data accuracy and validity. In this paper, we describe these challenges and possible solutions to enhance proxy reporting and the participation of older adults in aging research.