The Intellectual disability supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) Waves 3 and 4
Similar to the general population, marked changes in the life expectancy of persons with intellectual disability (ID) have occurred among all age cohorts but in particular, among those aged 55 years and over. Almost half of people with a moderate, severe, or profound intellectual disability are aged 35 years or over. However, their life expectancy remains less than that of the general population, with the average age of death recently reported at 55 years. However, social, psychological and health information on older persons with ID and the possible explanations for mortality differences have not been investigated longitudinally and recent findings in the UK suggest that when compared to the general population, there are higher levels of avoidable deaths for people with ID. Therefore, there is a need to ensure that future planning, policies, services, support and allocation of resources are sufficient to meet the changing needs of ageing persons with ID. The tracking of prevalence and incidence of disease and IDS-TILDA comparisons with general population TILDA data offer a unique opportunity to better understand changes in the physical and behavioural health of people with ID as they age and their implications for their longevity and quality of life.
This study seeks to characterise ageing by examining healthy/successful ageing, determinants of health and longevity and similarities/differences in the ageing lives of those with and without ID. The purpose of this tender is to continue the steady-state longitudinal data collection of IDS-TILDA through a further two waves over the next 6-year cycle. Wave 3 and Wave 4 of IDS-TILDA will continue to examine the principal influences on successful ageing in persons with ID, to compare results with previous waves of IDS-TILDA, to determine if they are the same or different from the influences on the ageing lives of the general population and to analyse the data to inform and guide the planning, implementation and evaluation of future national policies, programs and services. The study proposed will balance longitudinal continuity with new topics and responses to a changing healthcare and policy landscape. Careful attention will be given to removal of resting of items, similar to previous waves, to ensure the overall length of the protocol does not cause unnecessary burden on participants. Waves 3 and 4 in particular explore the implications for people with ID as they transition between settings.
- Award Date
- 26 June 2015
- Award Value
- €599,992
- Principal Investigator
- Professor Mary McCarron
- Host Institution
- Trinity College Dublin
- Scheme
- National Intellectual Disability Supplement to TILDA