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Ageing with a unique impairment: a systematically conducted review of older deafblind people's experiences

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 August 2016

PETER SIMCOCK
PETER SIMCOCK*
Affiliation:
Social Care Workforce Research Unit, King's College London, UK.
*
Address for correspondence: Peter Simcock, Department of Social Sciences, Health and Medicine/ Social Care Workforce Research Unit, King's College London, Strand, London WC2R 2LS, UK E-mail: peter.simcock@kcl.ac.uk
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Abstract

Little is known about the experiences of people ageing with impairments; social gerontology has largely focused on those ageing into disability rather than those ageing with disability. This paper synthesises existing knowledge to determine what is known about the experiences of those ageing with deafblindness. A comprehensive literature search was undertaken between April 2013 and May 2014. The review method was informed by systematic review principles. A total of 24 references were identified for inclusion. No studies examining deafblind people's experience of ageing and old age specifically were found, suggesting that those ageing with deafblindness are an under-studied sub-group within the deafblind population. However, deafblind people describe ageing experiences in studies exploring their lives generally, and in personal accounts of living with the impairment. Practitioner-authored material also explores the topic. Similarities in experience were identified between those ageing with deafblindness and those ageing with other impairments: ongoing change and consequent need for adaptation; a particular relationship between ageing and impairment; a sense that whilst one can learn adaptive strategies having lived with impairment for many years, it does not necessarily get easier; and a particular relationship with care and support services. These experiences illustrate the unique nature of ageing with impairment, and challenge gerontologists to engage in further research and theorising in the field of disability in later life.

Keywords

deafblindnessdual sensory impairmentageing with disability
Type
Articles
Information
Ageing & Society , Volume 37 , Issue 8 , September 2017 , pp. 1703 - 1742
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2016 

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