Research and the elderly: Do we need fair practices of ethics?

Abstract

Changing demographics have brought a dramatic increase in the need for research in the health care of the population, and understanding and countering opportunities and challenges presented by an aging population, and the process of aging, for enhancing the positive aspects of aging. It is also envisaged that the knowledge brought through research on the elderly has a large potential for improving individual lives and society. Since the elderly population represents a vulnerable group, it is thus required that research is conducted following ethical principles and proper protocols. This article examines various aspects involved in evidence-based research on the elderly.