How do people with intellectual disabilities/mental retardation age compared to the general population?
• In many ways they age the same as do people in the general population. The life-expectancy of the majority of persons with intellectual disabilities/mental retardation approaches or equals that of the general population. Factors that impact on a person’s aging are genetics, lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and attitude. How pre-existing conditions interact with these factors will result in the unique manifestation of a person’s aging. Compared to persons in the general population, most individuals with intellectual disabilities/mental retardation will have similar rates of older age-related health conditions. Including coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some forms of cancer, osteoarthritis, disorders of hearing and vision, and dementia. Risk factors for older age-related health conditions (e.g., obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, lack of exercise, smoking, and alcohol-related concerns) are the same as in the general population. • Specific groups of persons
