Efficacy of Healthy Aging Interventions for Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Systematic Review

Background and Objectives There is a lack of information on intervention strategies employed for health promotion and disease prevention for older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), who usually experience poorer health compared to their peers without IDDs. We carried out the first systematic review to scrutinize the impact of intrinsic factors (e.g., cognitive, mental, and physical health) on the health status of older adults with IDDs. Research Design and Methods To assess the efficacy of such interventions, we examined 23 articles including prospective healthy aging interventions designed for adults with IDDs. Searches were carried out in the databases Web of Science, Scielo, and PsycINFO in April 2020. Articles were organized in thematic areas: (a) physical activity and health nutrition (n = 10), (b) health education and health screening (n = 6), (c) social inclusion and community participation (n = 3), and (d) multicomponents (n = 4). Except for 5 randomized controlled trial studies, the designs were mainly nonrandomized, involving small sample sizes (N-range = 8-379 participants), and lacking follow-up. Results The studies included 2,398 men and women with IDDs (ranging in age from 18 to 86 years [mean age: 44.3 years]). Overall, intervention outcomes were mostly positive; however, some negative outcomes were reported. Discussion and Implications In brief, healthy aging interventions for people with IDDs remain scarce, incipient, and sporadic. We recommend that more attention needs to be given to active health promotion with people with IDDs as a program practice among organizations and as a focal public policy among governments.

Automated summary

The lack of information on health promotion and disease prevention interventions for older adults with IDDs was highlighted in the study. Although most intervention outcomes were positive, there was a general lack of sustained attention and long-term follow-up for such interventions.