Is there an age limit for clinical trials?
There is no single age limit across all clinical trials. Each study sets its own age range based on the science of the condition being studied. The most common adult range is 18 to 65, but plenty of studies recruit older adults (65-85+) and many recruit children and adolescents through specialized pediatric sites. Geriatric trials specifically focus on conditions that emerge later in life, like Alzheimer's, age-related macular degeneration, and certain cancers. Pediatric trials follow stricter consent rules — a parent or guardian must provide consent and, for older children, the child also gives 'assent.' When you submit your information on QualifiedStudies, the matching engine filters by your age automatically so you only see studies you qualify for. Older adults are encouraged to participate; underrepresentation of seniors and minorities in research is a well-documented problem the FDA actively works to correct.