Senior Case Studies: Telehealth, Polypharmacy, Lung Studies & Tinnitus

This patient-first listicle highlights four real-world senior case studies — telehealth, polypharmacy, lung cancer research and tinnitus — showing how older adults and caregivers can navigate clinical research with dignity, safety and practical tools. Biotech startup founders and trial teams are rethinking studies to fit seniors’ lives.

1. Telehealth: How seniors use telehealth to join trials

Telehealth became a gateway for seniors to access clinical research. Recent industry shifts show telemedicine use among older adults climbed dramatically during the pandemic, with many surveys reporting adoption increases of more than tenfold. Seniors use video visits for screening, remote consent, and device instruction, while wearable sensors let researchers collect continuous data without clinic visits. Many patients find clinical trials through dedicated platforms that match their condition with relevant studies, and modern clinical trial platforms help streamline the search and scheduling process. Biotech founders are designing simple interfaces and concierge support so a participant can join a trial from home with caregiver help.

2. Polypharmacy: Questions caregivers should ask about polypharmacy

Polypharmacy — commonly defined as taking five or more meds — affects roughly 40% of older adults and raises risks for interactions, falls and cognitive effects. When a senior is trial-eligible, caregivers should come prepared with clear questions to protect safety and clarity.

• Which of the participant’s current medications could interact with the study drug?
• Are any over-the-counter supplements or herbal remedies contraindicated?
• Will the study require stopping or adjusting existing prescriptions?
• How will the team monitor for adverse effects and who is the point person?
• Is a pharmacist or geriatric specialist available to review the medication plan?

Asking these questions helps align care goals; some trials now include medication reconciliation and pharmacist-led reviews as standard practice — an innovation many biotech startups are prioritizing.

3. Lung Studies: Finding lung cancer studies for older adults

Lung cancer largely affects older adults — roughly 70% of diagnoses occur in people 65 and older — yet seniors are underrepresented in many trials. Age-friendly protocols, flexible endpoints and decentralized assessments can improve inclusion. When searching, look for studies that explicitly list upper age limits, offer remote visit options, or provide local imaging partnerships. Platforms that index trials by travel burden and eligibility can save caregivers time. Biotech founders focused on oncology are also piloting adaptive trials that better reflect real-world older patients, lowering barriers to participation.

"Designing trials that meet seniors where they are isn’t just ethical — it yields better science and more useful treatments," says a biotech founder focused on decentralized oncology research.

4. Tinnitus: Participating in tinnitus research as a senior

Tinnitus affects an estimated 20–30% of older adults and ranges from occasional ringing to persistent, life-altering sound. Seniors can participate in device studies, behavioral interventions, and drug trials. Remote auditory testing and smartphone-based symptom tracking let many join from home, while in-person audiology remains essential for some protocols. Research teams are increasingly designing patient-centered outcome measures that capture sleep, concentration and quality of life — metrics seniors and caregivers find meaningful.

Patient rights and responsibilities

• Rights: Informed consent, privacy, the right to withdraw anytime, access to safety information.
• Responsibilities: Share full medication lists and medical history, report side effects, attend scheduled visits or notify the team if unable.
• Communication: Expect plain-language explanations and the ability to ask questions; caregivers should be included with permission.

Participation should center the person, not the protocol. Whether discovering trials on a platform, asking the right polypharmacy questions, or choosing a lung or tinnitus study, seniors and caregivers bring essential expertise to research partnerships. Clinicians, biotech founders and platforms must keep refining tools so trials are safer, clearer and more accessible for older adults.