Individuals Aging with Developmental Disabilities: Programmatic Foundations for System Improvement

As the population in the United States ages and grows, so does the number of older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Individuals who have lifelong disabilities experience age-related conditions, such as dementia, cancer, or arthritis, differently from those who acquire similar age-related disabilities in late life. The aging population with IDD represents a demographic shift and introduces both challenges and opportunities in various contexts, including, but not limited to, healthcare, caregiving, housing, and economic stability. Concurrently, aging caregivers, including parents of individuals with IDD, must balance their own age-related needs with the current and future plans of care for their family member. To discuss these issues, we apply the Enabling-Disabling Process Model to highlight the importance of supporting the individual throughout the aging process by removing social, policy, and environmental barriers and fostering inclusive communities. Additionally, we explore the intersection of aging and IDD, advocating for expanded research among this demographic group and policy changes that address the evolving needs of this population. Lastly, we underscore the urgency of creating collaborative, sustainable, and inclusive systems for older adults with IDD.