Demographic Changes in the Older Adult Population of Persons with Intellectual Disability in Germany

Abstract

AbstractThe authors examine how the demographic structure of older adults with intellectual disability in Germany is changing. Using the example of Westphalia‐Lippe, a region with 8.3 million inhabitants, an alteration of the age structure is projected through to the year 2030. The projection is based on personal data of current recipients of services for people with disability from the regional funding authority (Landschaftsverband), as well as on educational statistics. Assumptions were drawn from the current utilization of support services. It is projected that the percentage of older adults among the German adult population with intellectual disability will increase from 10% in 2010 to 31% in 2030. In 2030, one of two residents of residential institutions will be 60 years old or older, and one of three adults will be 60 years or older who live in supported living. The authors provide a forecast for the numbers of people who will need any kind of support during the day after retirement or who will be in need of care when they get older. In cooperation with other social sectors (care for the elderly, health service system) and the local authorities, the authors suggest that providers have to adjust their services to these age‐related demands.