ABSTRACT
Sweden has a population that is getting older and by 2030, one in every four persons is expected to be over the age of 65. This anticipated increase in life expectancy also applies to the group of people with intellectual disability. This means that the number of older people with intellectual disability in Sweden who receive governmental support is rapidly increasing. Yet knowledge of this group of older people is very limited. This chapter explores the extent to which the principles of participation and self-determination are embedded in services for the older people with intellectual disability. It argues that although citizens’ rights to participation and self-determination are strongly emphasised in today's Swedish society, there remains considerable shortcomings in participation and self-determination for older people when it comes to basic and everyday issues. In terms of future avenues of research, the chapter suggests that as more people with intellectual disability live longer, it is vital that research focuses on this area to ensure the right to self-determination and full participation for everyone.
