People with learning disabilities and ‘active ageing’

Accessible summary People are living longer, and policymakers are talking about ‘active ageing’. Active ageing can mean older people being still physically active, still working and still being involved in their local communities. Most policy makers do not talk about people with learning disabilities and active ageing, but this paper does. We also say that people with learning disabilities should be involved in inclusive active ageing research.Abstract Background: People (with and without learning disabilities) are living longer. Demographic ageing creates challenges and the leading policy response to these challenges is ‘active ageing’. ‘Active’ does not just refer to the ability to be physically and economically active, but also includes ongoing social and civic engagement in the communities of which older people are a part. Active ageing should apply to all citizens, including the experiences of older people with learning disabilities. Materials and Methods: This literature based paper explores the focus of active ageing discussions in relation to the general population drawing comparisons with the experiences of older people with learning disabilities. Results: It points out that older people with learning disabilities and their experiences are largely missing from broader policy discussions of active ageing. Conclusion: The paper concludes by arguing for inclusive research in active ageing which takes account of the concerns and interests of older people with learning disabilities.