Reducing the Shared Burden of Chronic Conditions among Persons Aging with Disability and Older Adults in the United States through Bridging Aging and Disability

Healthcare, 2017 · DOI: 10.3390/healthcare5030056 · Published: September 12, 2017

Simple Explanation

This review focuses on the increasing number of people who are aging with disabilities and how they share similar chronic health issues with older adults. It highlights the need to develop more evidence-based practices (EBPs) that cater to this population by connecting the fields of aging and disability research. The paper explains the differences between secondary conditions (related to the disability) and chronic conditions (related to aging) to better address the health needs of individuals aging with disabilities. It emphasizes the importance of understanding these distinctions to develop effective interventions. The authors suggest that by merging efforts in aging and disability research, professionals and advocates can more efficiently create and implement health promotion programs. This approach aims to address the shared health burdens experienced by both older adults and individuals aging with disabilities.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Persons aging with long-term disabilities and older adults in the United States

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Persons aging with disability and older adults share similar chronic conditions, necessitating a unified approach to intervention development.
2
There is a significant gap in evidence-based practices (EBPs) tailored for persons aging with disability, particularly in midlife.
3
Bridging the fields of aging and disability research and practice can more efficiently address the shared burden of chronic conditions.

Research Summary

The review addresses the growing population of individuals aging with disabilities and the shared chronic conditions they experience with older adults. It highlights the critical need for evidence-based practices (EBPs) tailored to this population, emphasizing the current gap in available EBPs. The authors advocate for bridging the fields of aging and disability/rehabilitation to develop new EBPs, translate existing ones, and share best practices. This approach is proposed as a more efficient way to advance research and practice compared to separate efforts in each field. The paper provides recommendations for researchers, professionals, and consumer advocates to collaborate and create a coordinated research agenda. This includes developing longitudinal data systems, investing in joint funding initiatives, and supporting cross-disciplinary training.

Practical Implications

Policy and Funding Changes

Advocate for policy and funding changes to bridge aging and disability programs, ensuring equitable access to benefits regardless of age or diagnostic group.

Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

Encourage partnerships and collaborations between aging and disability practice and service networks to share knowledge and resources.

Research and Data Collection

Develop and fund longitudinal data systems that include younger and older individuals aging with long-term disabilities to better understand chronic condition patterns.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of precise data on the size of the aging with disability population.
2
The review primarily focuses on the United States as a case example.
3
Limited empirical studies on aging with disability for midlife and older persons in general.

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