Strategies to Prevent Work Ability Decline and Support Retirement Transition in Workers with Intellectual and...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Disability Studies
• Vocational Rehabilitation

Background:

• The aging workforce with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is increasing due to longer life expectancies and better employment opportunities.
• Understanding the experiences of these aging workers, their families, and support professionals is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the unique needs of aging workers with IDD.
• To identify challenges and requirements related to declining work ability and retirement transitions.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study employing phenomenological and grounded theory methodologies.
• Data collected from 12 focus groups with 107 participants, analyzed using NVivo 12 Pro.

Main Results:

• Identified 33 needs concerning declining work ability due to aging and disability (WADAD) and 30 needs related to retirement transition.
• Needs categorized into workplace accommodations, coordination, personal/family support, counseling, and training.

Conclusions:

• This research provides an empirical foundation for developing targeted prevention and intervention strategies.
• Addresses the critical issues of WADAD and retirement planning for aging workers with IDD.