Generational trends in sensory, physical, and behavioral abilities among older mentally retarded persons

An extensive client registry data base was used to examine whether there were identifiable patterns in prevalence of chronic disease conditions, in decline of sensory capacities, and in decline of behavioral abilities among 10,532 elderly mentally retarded persons born between 1890 and 1939. Data indicated identifiable patterns in the prevalence of chronic disease conditions (cardiovascular, digestive, musculoskeletal, and respiratory systems) and the decline of behavioral and physical abilities and sensory capacities with increasing age. Functional skill losses were most prominent in mobility and fundamental activities of daily-living skill areas. Some behavioral losses were noted to occur earlier than would be expected in the general population; however, as with nonretarded persons, decline was highly variable and linked to the aging process experienced by each older retarded person. Implications of the findings were discussed.