Perspectives on life, wellbeing, and ageing by older women with intellectual disability

• Published in: Journal of intellectual & developmental disability Vol. 40; no. 3; pp. 275 - 285
• Main Authors: Strnadová, Iva, Cumming, Therese M., Knox, Marie, Parmenter, Trevor R., Lee, Hee Min
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 03.07.2015; Taylor & Francis; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: ageing; Aging; Aging (Individuals); Coping; coping strategies; Daily Living Skills; Females; Foreign Countries; Grounded theory; Health; Independence; Mild Intellectual Disability; Moderate Intellectual Disability; Older Adults; Older people; Place of Residence; Research methodology; Well Being; wellbeing; Women; women with intellectual disability; Australia
• ISSN: 1366-8250; 1469-9532; 1469-9532
• DOI: 10.3109/13668250.2015.1043873

Background The lifespan of women with intellectual disability (ID) has been steadily increasing, bringing new and unique challenges to these individuals and those who support them. Understanding these issues will help to improve support services for this population. Methods Using inclusive research methods, 15 older women with ID were interviewed about their wellbeing and their views on growing older. Results Interview data were analysed using the grounded theory approach. The core phenomenon identified through data analysis was "changes in life." Conclusion The women reported a growing loss of independence as well as changes in their health and activities. Analyses revealed factors important for wellbeing as well as different coping strategies used by the women to deal with the age-related changes in their lives.