Issues of aging and adherence to health interventions

This review article describes several processes and considerations that are important to adherence in aging research and potential strategies that cou ld be used to facilitate adherence among older adults. In many large aging trials participants are purposively selected to reduce the risk of suboptim al adherence and retention. This selection often involves screening out tho se with barriers such as transportation needs, sensory deficits, functional dependence, major diseases limiting life expectancy, or apparent psycholog ical distress. However, trends toward extending interventions to the genera l population of older adults require specific knowledge about the circumsta nces and processes that support adherence among older adults or the conditi ons that make them vulnerable to adherence problems. Addressing the diversi ty of needs, expectations, and capabilities of older adults that promote ad herence is a key consideration in aging research. Control Clin Trials 2000; 21:171S-183S (C) Elsevier Science Inc. 2000.