ABSTRACT
This chapter must begin by noting both the success that ageing of persons with intellectual disabilities (ID) represents and the challenge it means for families and the services providers who must provide new forms of care. The ageing of persons with ID requires all of us to renew our perspectives, tools and approaches. Of all the stages in life it most demands that we respect the individuality and achievements of the person with ID and of her/his family. The increasing complexity of life history and experiences, health needs and life transitions also require that a holistic and multidisciplinary perspective be embraced. In the spirit of such a holistic and multidisciplinary approach it seems appropriate then to draw in perspectives from nursing, social work and other disciplines as well as from psychology and to offer a perspective that challenges psychologists to play roles perhaps beyond their discipline’s traditions. Drawing upon the related research and practice literatures, the chapter will outline key demographic, health and life transitions issues for persons with ID and their families as they age, and offer suggestions for their assessment and management.
