Implicações Sobre Deficiência Intelectual E Longevidade: Projeto Piloto De Intervenção Em Casos De Senilidade

Abstract

The increasing life expectancy for people with intellectual disability is a intriguing theme that deserves attention of professionals related to this area. Although it is well known that the benefits brought by modern interventions and advances in biomedicine have increased life's longevity, it also means that during the later years of life these people often have comorbidities and a pathological aging processes. Enhancing the quality of life for this population is a unique challenge in the field of Gerontology and Intellectual Disabilities. The present work is the result of a pilot study carried out by a Service for intellectual disability and aging. The intervention focused on the participants who undergo some form of senile process through a proposal of management and temporary service adaptation which was developed based on patients´ demands. The need for social and service's adjustments for the new demands of this population is evident, and it is of special significance professional qualification and expertise in this area, as well as, the rise of information for the families and the community.