Transitions in the ageing population

The population with intellectual impairment is ageing, mirroring trends amongst general populations in developed countries. Following a transition from child to adult services, many will increasingly face an extended adult life within which they may benefit from health promoting initiatives. For many, adult life will involve management of long-term conditions. Increasingly people with intellectual impairment will experience age-related disorders and indeed many will acquire their intellectual impairment later in life. All, at whatever age, will potentially move into a phase where care becomes palliative as they near the end of life. This chapter considers health care from this lifespan perspective beginning with the transition from child to adult services.