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Perceptions of ageing and future aspirations by people with intellectual disability: a grounded theory study using photo-elicitation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 November 2018

Henrietta Trip ,
Lisa Whitehead  and
Marie Crowe
Henrietta Trip*
Affiliation:
Centre for Postgraduate Nursing Studies, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
Lisa Whitehead
Affiliation:
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
Marie Crowe
Affiliation:
Centre for Postgraduate Nursing Studies, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
*
*Corresponding author. Email: henrietta.trip@otago.ac.nz
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Abstract

Internationally, 1 per cent of the general population are living with an intellectual disability and life expectancy is increasing in line with global trends. The majority of people with an intellectual disability live with family. This represents a growing and largely ‘hidden’ population who have, or will have, additional needs as they and their family age. There is limited research about what is important for people with intellectual disability when thinking about getting older. This article reports on a study which explored the concept of ageing and future aspirations with 19 people living with an intellectual disability, aged 37–58 years of age (mean 48 years) and living with someone they identify as family. Using Charmaz's constructivist grounded theory approach and photo-elicitation, constant comparative analysis generated four themes: reciprocating relationships, emerging (in)dependence, configuring ageing and entertaining possibilities. As part of the interview process, photo-elicitation facilitated the expression of associations and perspectives about ageing and conceptualising the future for participants. The findings demonstrate the engagement of people with intellectual disabilities in research and provided unique insights into both their experiences and perspectives on ageing in the context of family. The need for greater flexibility in service planning and delivery are identified, alongside ensuring the meaningful inclusion of people with intellectual disability in decision-making about their own lives as they age.

Keywords

intellectual disabilityageingfuture aspirationsgrounded theoryphoto-elicitation
Type
Article
Information
Ageing & Society , Volume 40 , Issue 5 , May 2020 , pp. 966 - 983
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2018

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