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Social Relations of Older Adults With Intellectual Disabilities From a Life Course Perspective
Lieke van Heumen1, Tamar Heller1, Claire van den Helder1
1Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
The Gerontologist
|February 17, 2025
Summary
Older adults with intellectual disabilities experienced both positive social relations and disruptions throughout life. Their later years are marked by simultaneous feelings of belonging and longing, highlighting complex social well-being.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Disability Studies
- Social Sciences
Background:
- Limited understanding of social relations in aging adults with intellectual disabilities.
- Need to explore the impact of life experiences on social development.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate social relation experiences of older adults with intellectual disabilities.
- Examine social relations from a life course perspective.
Main Methods:
- Paired recruitment of 12 adults with intellectual disabilities (aged 50+) and key support persons.
- In-depth qualitative life history interviews using lifelines.
Main Results:
- Positive social relations in early life, disrupted by transitions (e.g., moving, parental divorce/death).
- Challenging social encounters (abuse, bullying) negatively impacted well-being.
- Late-life social well-being characterized by simultaneous feelings of belonging and longing.
Conclusions:
- Social experiences of aging adults with intellectual disabilities are complex.
- Emphasizes person-centered planning strategies like social network mapping and life story work.
- Supports improved aging experiences for adults with intellectual disabilities.
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