Later life for adults with intellectual disability: A time of opportunity and vulnerability

Old age is often regarded as a time of reduced functional capacities, decreasing community participation and narrowing horizons. Such views are sometimes reflected in the nature of programs and services, and the more limited expectations that service providers hold about older people. This paper reports on the findings of a qualitative study of the later life experiences of 62 older people (over 55 years) with intellectual disability. Contrary to the often negative stereotypes, in later life, many of this group experienced considerable personal growth, broadened their horizons and increased their personal autonomy and independence. However, for them, later life was also a time of increased vulnerability to inappropriate residential environments, residential mobility, loss and disruption of social networks and reduced access to specialist disability services. Conclusions are drawn about the ways in which later life opportunities can be safeguarded and vulnerabilities reduced through the development of appropriate policies and services for older people with intellectual disability.