How we decide what to review

Our mission at NCOA is to improve the lives of millions of older adults, especially those who are struggling. And when it comes to reviews, we align with our mission by sourcing trusted products and services to help older adults age safely. 

It’s important to us to test and review products that serve a daily purpose in the lives of our readers. Maybe it’s the hearing aid you put on each morning or the bed you lay on each night. It could be the medical alert system you use after a fall to get help or the walker you use for support and to maintain your independence. 

Nothing frustrates us more than seeing a brand recommended when we know it isn’t worth the cost, or hearing from a reader who fell for a scam and now cannot afford an alternative. We’re bold in our reviews—both positive and negative—so you can shop products with confidence and peace of mind.

How we make money

While we may make a commission from the links in our stories, brands cannot pay us to be featured in our content, and they have no influence over how we present our research and testing. If you’ve shopped from one of our stories, thank you. Buying through our site directly supports the programs we can offer to NCOA readers every day. 

Our research and testing process

Every story we write starts with experts in the category. Here at NCOA, we have subject matter experts on every piece of content we work on. We also consult with medical experts where necessary to make sure we deliver the most accurate information possible. Then, we pore over relevant research in published journals and on trusted government or educational websites. 

Once we have conviction in how we want to test a product or service, we get to work. We’ll either test products ourselves, have friends and family test them, or send them to a testing lab if that’s required. Once we have our data, we score each brand and form an opinion on whether or not it’s worth your time and money. 

And we keep at it. Nothing is “one and done” for us. We know our word is only as good as our last testing session. We revisit products constantly, and check out new models and service offerings as they become available. Our recommendations may change, and you’ll see those changes reflected in the reviews on our site. 

We love hearing from you, so if you have any questions about our process, email reviewsteam@ncoa.org.