People with learning disabilities and ‘active ageing’

Abstract

Accessible summary People are living longer, and policymakers are talking about ‘active ageing’. Active ageing can mean older people being still physically active, still working and still being involved in their local communities. Most policy makers do not talk about people with learning disabilities and active ageing, but this paper does. We also say that people with learning disabilities should be involved in inclusive active ageing research. Abstract Background: People (with and without learning disabilities) are living longer. Demographic ageing creates challenges and the leading policy response to these challenges is ‘active ageing’. ‘Active’ does not just refer to the ability to be physically and economically active, but also includes ongoing social and civic engagement in the communities of which older people are a part. Active ageing should apply to all citizens, including the experiences of older people with learning disabilities. Materials and Methods: This literature based paper explores the focus of active ageing discussions in relation to the general population drawing comparisons with the experiences of older people with learning disabilities. Results: It points out that older people with learning disabilities and their experiences are largely missing from broader policy discussions of active ageing. Conclusion: The paper concludes by arguing for inclusive research in active ageing which takes account of the concerns and interests of older people with learning disabilities.

How to improve the quality of life of elderly people with intellectual disability: A systematic literature review of support strategies

“…QoL outcomes were outlined in different ways, as Tables and detail, and few clear‐cut patterns were discernible. Many of the suggested strategies and pursued outcomes fit into an active ageing model (Bowling & Dieppe, ; Depp & Jeste, ; Fesko et al, ; Foster & Boxall, ; Laplante, ; Reppermund & Trollor, ). Nevertheless, the present authors assert that the model presented by Schalock () is sufficiently broad to incorporate multidimensional concepts and goals, providing room for intertwined or negative outcomes.…”

“…Their changing needs challenge caregivers, who aim for the best quality of support. Compared to elderly people without lifelong intellectual disability, ageing people with intellectual disability have experienced very different life course trajectories, and many have been excluded from society (Bigby, ; Foster & Boxall, ; Laplante, ). Few persons with intellectual disability have children to care for them, and many continue to be supported by very old parents.…”

“…When these parents move to elderly care or die, it can lead to crisis moves, inappropriate placement, sudden loss of lifelong networks, and a process of grieving (Bigby, ). Some of these people with intellectual disability have lived since childhood in residential services, where they rely on often‐changing professional support workers for their daily care (Foster & Boxall, ).…”

“…The Graz Declaration on Disability and Ageing states that, given the “predicted growing numbers of elderly people with intellectual disability, we can expect similar augmentation in support needs” (Weber & Wolfmayr, ). Nonetheless, families and disability services remain ill prepared for the ageing of their relatives or clients, as it is with the regular elderly care when old persons with intellectual disability arrive and the legislation that, in most parts of the world, delineates strictly separated paths for either disability or elderly care (Bigby, ; Brown, ; Foster & Boxall, ; Innes, McCabe, & Watchman, ; Weber & Wolfmayr, ). The World Health Organization recommends not ignoring this growing group since it challenges governments and non‐governmental organizations to rethink policies, funding, planning, and specialty care programmes for elderly people (World Health Organisation, ).…”

Ageing, Diversity and Equality: Social Justice Perspectives (Open Access)

“…This does not only refer to physical activity but to ongoing social engagement in the communities of which older people are a part. Active ageing should apply to all citizens, including older people with intellectual disabilities, (Foster and Boxall, 2015).…”