Aging among persons with intellectual disability in Israel in relation to type of residence, age, and etiology

This study was conducted to compare aging phenomena of persons with intellectual and
developmental disability (ID) aged 40 years and older living in community residence
(N ¼ 65) with those living with their families (N ¼ 43) in Jerusalem, Israel. All 108 persons
and care givers were interviewed to ascertain health problems, sensory impairment, activity
of daily living (ADL), cognitive skills, and leisure activities. Health problem had already
developed by age 40 years. The most frequent were visual (33%), hearing impairments
(20%) and dental problems (30%). The community residence group displayed more medical
problems, whereas individuals living at home had more dental problems. Health problems in
persons with Down syndrome were significantly higher. ADL functioning for all participants
was high, but persons with Down syndrome and cerebral palsy had more dependence. A
decline in functioning in both residential groups was observed concerning leisure time, but
scores for social life leisure activities were better for the community residential group. The
data provided in this study can serve as information to develop geriatric services for persons
with ID and provide a basis for comparison with peers in the general population in Israel.
Dental service to persons with ID living at home should be improved