Abstract
As one of the faster growing segments of the population, over 70 million American citizens will be considered elderly by 2030 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2007). The growth of this group is unprecedented in American history, owing in part to advances in health care research having a positive impact on longevity. Inevitably older adults will likely be more involved in research than ever before. Ethical protection becomes a principal concern when a group, such as the elderly, is identified as vulnerable. This article reviews concepts of autonomy, beneficence, and justice in relation to geriatric research and discusses ethical risks with case studies.
Keywords: Informed consent, research, ethics, geriatric, vulnerable population, ethical principles, case study
Introduction
As one of the fastest growing segments of the population, over 70 million American citizens will be considered elderly by 2030.[ 1] The growth of this group is unprecedented in American history, owing in part to advances in health care research having a positive impact on longevity. Inevitably older adults will likely be more involved in research than ever before. Ethical protection becomes a principal concern when a group, such as the elderly, is identified as vulnerable. The purpose if this paper is to identify and discuss ethical risks unique to this vulnerable population and propose possible solutions with case studies.
The increasing number of elderly Americans will propel research in multiple disciplines in an effort to describe, understand, and treat problems of aging. Medical research for physical aging, diseases and conditions, and pharmacologic and other interventions alone will consume vast research resources. In addition, psychological research will be conducted on memory, cognition,