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Employment, retirement and elderly persons with an intellectual disability
A F Ashman1, J N Suttie, J Bramley
1University of Queensland, Australia.
Journal of Intellectual Disability Research : JIDR
|April 1, 1995
Summary
Many older adults with intellectual disabilities have never worked and express concern about retirement. Pre-retirement programs focusing on transition and choice-making skills are needed to support this population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Disability Studies
- Sociology
Background:
- Investigating employment and retirement patterns in older adults with intellectual disabilities is crucial for understanding their life transitions.
- Limited research exists on the specific needs and attitudes of individuals with intellectual disabilities nearing or in retirement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine employment, retirement patterns, work/retirement attitudes, and leisure involvement among Australians aged 55+ with intellectual disabilities.
- To identify the need for tailored pre-retirement support and skill development.
Main Methods:
- A national Australian study involving two cohorts: a comprehensive recruitment in Queensland and Western Australia, and a proportional random sample nationally.
- Data collection focused on employment history, retirement status, attitudes towards work and retirement, and engagement in recreational activities.
Main Results:
- A significant proportion of participants had no prior full- or part-time employment experience in any setting.
- The majority of participants who had worked held positive views on employment and expressed anxiety regarding retirement.
Conclusions:
- Older adults with intellectual disabilities often face unique challenges transitioning into retirement.
- There is a clear need for specialized pre-retirement programs that equip individuals with essential transition and decision-making skills.