Editor’s view: Age and Ageing—a home for reports on trials

Age and Ageing-a home for reports on trialsThere is a popular misconception that researchers with an interest in clinical ageing don't 'do' randomised controlled trials (RCTs).An implication of this, is that the major journals with a focus on frailty and other syndromes of ageing don't include trials.Whilst there is still work for researchers in ageing to do if we wish to catch up with RCT activity in disciplines such as cardiology and oncology, the international portfolio of older adult trials is increasing year on year.In parallel, here in Age and Ageing, we are seeing a welcome increase in RCTs submitted to the journal.So, if you are running a trial with a focus on ageing then consider us.Significant disparities remain in RCT participation, raising concerns that the evidence base used to guide care may not be based on representative data.Historically, older adults, especially those living with frailty or multiple longterm conditions, have been excluded from RCTs, either directly through age-based exclusions, or indirectly through design.This month saw a 'statement of intent' from the Chief Medical Officer of England, signed by all major UK research funders, that the research community needs to do more to include older adults in trials.This month's journal has a healthy selection of RCTs with older populations, and we look forward to seeing more RCTs in future editions of the journal.