The life circumstances of aged people with an intellectual disability

Abstract

This paper reports the results of a survey of people over the age 50 years who have a mild or moderate intellectual disability as their primary disability. The objective of the study was to depict the range of residential options available and to examine the life circumstances and characteristics of these aged individuals. Two samples were drawn for the study: one was from a rural community and the other was from a suburban/metropolitan area. Fifty participants were recruited and interviewed by a member of the research team. Questions addressed participants' present residential setting, access to, and use of, facilities within the residence and the local community, the availability of training programs within the residence, the richness of social contact with family and friends and medical and financial status. The results of the survey indicated notable differences between participants living in the rural versus city regions and the need for new initiatives to develop their skills to improve the quality of life after age 50 years.