Trends in age-standardised mortality rates and life expectancy of people with learning disabilities in Sheffield over a 33-year period

Abstract

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to describe trends in the age-standardised mortality rate and life expectancy of people with learning disabilities in Sheffield over three decades and to compare these with trends in the general population of England and Wales.Design/methodology/approach– Data were extracted from the Sheffield Case Register and compared with data published by the Office for National Statistics for England and Wales.Findings– There was a sustained reduction in age-standardised mortality rates and a sustained increase in life expectancy for people with intellectual disabilities over the 33-year period. These changes are extremely similar to those observed in the general population of England and Wales.Originality/value– There is little evidence of any closing of the gap in age-standardised mortality rates or life expectancy between people with intellectual disabilities and the general population.