Division of Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities

Program in Aging and Developmental Disabilities

Updates on Healthy Aging

It is recognized that adults with lifelong intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) represent a significant segment of adults with lifelong disabilities in the United States. They represent an accessible population and one that is the focus of significant state legislative activities and mandated services. They also represent a group of individuals with a broad range of co-morbid conditions and health needs.

The population demographics of adults with I/DD appear to be following a trend toward increasing survivorship with increasing age. In 1970, only about 11% of people with I/DD in the US were over age 55. By the year 2040, that percentage is expected to double. This trend is similar to what has been reported form the general population, and is generally due to improved health care, better nutrition, and other health risk-reducing factors that in turn lead to greater longevity. As more persons with I/DD survive into older age, changes will be required in the health care delivery system, which currently is not prepared to meet the anticipated needs of these citizens.

Survival into old age for persons with I/DD is relatively recent phenomenon, mainly due to such factors as the de-institutionalization movement in the latter part of the 20th century, increased emphasis on normalized family supports, community-based services, and health care derived from generic community resources. Consequently, there is a very limited literature on healthy aging among persons with I/DD. Aside from a few studies of health status and morbidity based on very small samples, the trajectories of normal and non-normal aging in this population are unknown. Hence, it is difficult for health policy planners to anticipate the special needs of the population that might result from older age morbidity, loss of functional ability, or the incidence of secondary conditions. Older individuals with I/DD will need not only special medical care, but also comprehensive long-term care services that address their unique concerns and needs.

This page will provide information on ways to promote healthy aging in adults with I/DD. If you are interested in a particular topic, please email at LauraM_Robinson@urmc.rochester.edu

 

PADD

Developmental Disabilities