Ageing-in-a-chosen-place: commonalities and dissonance in life choice-making in elders with and without intellectual disability

Abstract

Aim: The past century has seen a significant increase in the life expectancy of both people with and without lifelong disabilities. The purpose of the current research was to examine the respective experiences of people ageing with and without intellectual disability across both rural and metropolitan locations. Methods: This project utilised semi-structured interviews with participants who were still living in the community and also those who had moved into residential care facilities. The focus of these interviews was to gain an understanding of the experience of ageing both with and without an intellectual disability and to contrast the similarities and differences across both cohorts. Results: The paper will report the findings of the research, with a particular focus on the concept of "ageing-in-a-chosen-place" rather than "ageing-in-place". The key similarities and differences in the life experience of ageing individuals with and without intellectual disabilities will be discussed. Conclusion: As the life expectancy of people around the world continues to rise, we need to ensure that support structures are based around assessed individual need. Such models need to be based upon accurate information and ensure that the informed decision-making capacity of all individuals is supported.