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

Simcock, Peter (2016) Ageing with a unique impairment: a systematically conducted review of older deafblind people's experiences. Ageing and Society, 37 (8). pp. 1703-1742. ISSN 0144-686X

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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.

Item Type: Article
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0144686X16000520
Dates:
DateEvent
18 August 2016Published Online
6 March 2016Accepted
Uncontrolled Keywords: deafblindness, dual sensory impairment, ageing with disability
Subjects: CAH15 - social sciences > CAH15-01 - sociology, social policy and anthropology > CAH15-01-01 - social sciences (non-specific)
Divisions: Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences > School of Social Sciences > Dept. Criminology and Sociology
Depositing User: Peter Simcock
Date Deposited: 06 Jul 2018 14:20
Last Modified: 03 Mar 2022 15:55
URI: https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/6016

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