The experiences of ageing on the health of people living with intellectual disability: A scoping review
Nicky Baker

Date and Time

Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Theme / Track

Ageing well, longevity and social context

Presentation Format

Poster Presentation
People with intellectual disability experience earlier onset of ageing‑related health changes and higher rates of multi-morbidity than their counterparts. In Australia, access to ageing‑related health services is largely determined by chronological age, with eligibility typically commencing at 65 years. This creates a mismatch between service availability and health needs for people with intellectual disability. Further, fragmentation across health, disability and aged care systems complicates service navigation, increasing the risk of unmet needs, poor care experiences and adverse health outcomes. This scoping review synthesised evidence on stakeholders’ experiences and perceptions of ageing‑related health changes in adults with intellectual disability. It highlighted perceived barriers and enablers to accessing timely ageing‑related health services. Perspectives included those of people with intellectual disability, family members, and health, aged care and disability workers. A systematic search was conducted in Medline, Emcare, PsycINFO and CINAHL, using search terms related to intellectual disability, ageing, and experiences or perceptions. Eligible studies reported primary qualitative or mixed‑methods research involving people with intellectual disability. Study selection followed PRISMA guidelines, with independent screening and data extraction conducted by two reviewers. Qualitative data were synthesised using co-design principles by a research team that includes two experts with lived experience. Themes relating to ageing experiences and barriers and enablers to service access were developed iteratively. Findings will be presented alongside identified opportunities for more responsive, ageing‑related health services. Findings also guide the next phase of a broader project, informing recommendations for policy, practice and service redesign to better support this underserved population.

Keywords

Best practice, Future Directions, Meaningful Engagement

Authors

Ms Lisa Braun, Co-researcher, Flinders University
Dr Manya Angley, Lived experience expert, Flinders University
Ms Madi Chapman, Research assistant, Flinders University
Dr Irene Belperio, Research Fellow, Flinders University
Prof Kate Laver, Professor of Healthy Ageing, Flinders University