Page 129 - Petelin, Ana, ur. 2021. Zdravje starostnikov / Health of the Elderly. Zbornik povzetkov z recenzijo / Book of Abstracts. Koper: Založba Univerze na Primorskem/University of Primorska Press
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ng and health in people with intellectual disabilities psihologija / sociala in zdravje starejših odraslih | psychology / social and health of the elderly
Alenka Rožič, Irena Ceglar
Centre for Training, Work and Care Radovljica, Radovljica, Slovenia
Introduction and purpose. Contemporary research shows that the life expec-
tancy of people with intellectual disabilities living in the Western world has in-
creased to almost the same age as the general population. However, people
with intellectual disabilities are often burdened by many factors at higher lev-
els than their peers in the general population. These include genetic predis-
positions to certain health conditions, a greater difficulty socializing, or even
communicating with others. Communication difficulties can make it harder to
recognize and diagnose particular health concerns and further apply an ap-
propriate social service to improve the situation. This experience can pro-
voke trauma in people with intellectual disabilities, further contributing to a so-
called “health inequity” that still exists despite recent improvements. Research
shows an increasing proportion of “healthy elderly” people. People with in-
tellectual disabilities have benefited from this trend as well as other social de-
velopments concerning their treatment. These improvements include greater
access to general health services, advancements in personal care, increased so-
cial awareness and inclusion, and the development of safe yet stimulating envi-
ronments tailored to their specific needs. Family members and care providers
have also begun promoting healthier lifestyles and diets among people with in-
tellectual disabilities. While these developments are both positive and signifi-
cant, discrimination against both seniors and the intellectually disabled persists,
and those who represent both demographics experience double discrimina-
tion. The purpose of this paper is to present the views of seniors with intellec-
tual disabilities in CUDV Radovljica on their age and health.
Content presentation. This paper draws from research from academic papers
on the topic. It will present testimonies from seniors with intellectual disabili-
ties about their experience at CUDV Radovljica and their views on old age and
health. Finally, it will provide an analysis of the health and social care provided
at this facility.
Conclusion. The life expectancy of people with intellectual disabilities continues
to grow as their quality of life progressively improves. People with intellectu-
al disabilities mainly focused on the present; their age and consequent health
concerns do not emotionally burden them. The CUDV Radovljica program is
facing an increasing number of seniors in need of care. Maintaining the health
of these seniors is vital. It requires specific approaches and adjustments in the
program to provide the best conditions for quality aging.
Keywords: intellectual disability, seniors, health, “quality aging”, discrimination
127
Alenka Rožič, Irena Ceglar
Centre for Training, Work and Care Radovljica, Radovljica, Slovenia
Introduction and purpose. Contemporary research shows that the life expec-
tancy of people with intellectual disabilities living in the Western world has in-
creased to almost the same age as the general population. However, people
with intellectual disabilities are often burdened by many factors at higher lev-
els than their peers in the general population. These include genetic predis-
positions to certain health conditions, a greater difficulty socializing, or even
communicating with others. Communication difficulties can make it harder to
recognize and diagnose particular health concerns and further apply an ap-
propriate social service to improve the situation. This experience can pro-
voke trauma in people with intellectual disabilities, further contributing to a so-
called “health inequity” that still exists despite recent improvements. Research
shows an increasing proportion of “healthy elderly” people. People with in-
tellectual disabilities have benefited from this trend as well as other social de-
velopments concerning their treatment. These improvements include greater
access to general health services, advancements in personal care, increased so-
cial awareness and inclusion, and the development of safe yet stimulating envi-
ronments tailored to their specific needs. Family members and care providers
have also begun promoting healthier lifestyles and diets among people with in-
tellectual disabilities. While these developments are both positive and signifi-
cant, discrimination against both seniors and the intellectually disabled persists,
and those who represent both demographics experience double discrimina-
tion. The purpose of this paper is to present the views of seniors with intellec-
tual disabilities in CUDV Radovljica on their age and health.
Content presentation. This paper draws from research from academic papers
on the topic. It will present testimonies from seniors with intellectual disabili-
ties about their experience at CUDV Radovljica and their views on old age and
health. Finally, it will provide an analysis of the health and social care provided
at this facility.
Conclusion. The life expectancy of people with intellectual disabilities continues
to grow as their quality of life progressively improves. People with intellectu-
al disabilities mainly focused on the present; their age and consequent health
concerns do not emotionally burden them. The CUDV Radovljica program is
facing an increasing number of seniors in need of care. Maintaining the health
of these seniors is vital. It requires specific approaches and adjustments in the
program to provide the best conditions for quality aging.
Keywords: intellectual disability, seniors, health, “quality aging”, discrimination
127
