Objective: The life expectancy of both the mainstream population and of people with intellectual disabilities has increased significantly in the past 100 years. However, there are research gaps regarding the comparative experience of ageing with and without a lifelong intellectual disability, and differences that are evident between metropolitan and rural localities. Methods: The current study examined the main factors that supported or hindered successful ageing for both people with and without lifelong intellectual disability across both metropolitan and rural regions of NSW and Queensland. The project utilised a qualitative design in which 40 semi-structured interviews were undertaken with individuals ageing both with and without an intellectual disability and their carers. The sample was comprised of participants who were still living in their local community and those who had transitioned into a permanent residential aged care placement. The purpose of the interviews was to gauge what different factors were enablers or impediments to the successful ageing process. Key Findings: The paper will present the findings, with a focus upon the social, environmental, political and personal health factors that underpin successful ageing. The key similarities and any differences for individuals both with and without lifelong intellectual disabilities residing in rural and metropolitan areas will be discussed. Conclusions: There is an increasing need for support structures that meet the often complex individual needs of people ageing with an intellectual disability. These models need to be based upon information gained from inclusive research to ensure that the disparate needs of people with intellectual disabilities are met in both rural and metropolitan localities. Learnings from the mainstream ageing communities can further assist in the development of appropriate systems of support. The results have also informed ways in which bridges can be built between disability and aged care policies and practices.

Aim: The past century has seen a significant increase in the life expectancy of both people with and without lifelong disabilities. The purpose of the current research was to examine the respective experiences of people ageing with and without intellectual disability across both rural and metropolitan locations. Methods: This project utilised semi-structured interviews with participants who were still living in the community and also those who had moved into residential care facilities. The focus of these interviews was to gain an understanding of the experience of ageing both with and without an intellectual disability and to contrast the similarities and differences across both cohorts. Results: The paper will report the findings of the research, with a particular focus on the concept of "ageing-in-a-chosen-place" rather than "ageing-in-place". The key similarities and differences in the life experience of ageing individuals with and without intellectual disabilities will be discussed. Conclusion: As the life expectancy of people around the world continues to rise, we need to ensure that support structures are based around assessed individual need. Such models need to be based upon accurate information and ensure that the informed decision-making capacity of all individuals is supported.

Theories of successful ageing emerged in the early 1960s, prompted by the need for the nascent discipline of gerontology to be grounded in a theory base. Over successive decades various theories have been proposed, none of which has specifically addressed the ageing of people with lifelong disabilities, specifically those with cognitive or intellectual disabilities. It is now established that the adult life expectancy of this population approximates that of the general population, owing to enhanced access to health care, better nutrition, and improved life style. Difficulties encountered by this population include the lack of clear transition markers throughout their adult life. The lack of inter-sectorial collaboration between ageing and disability support services, exemplified by the two Australian Productivity Commission Reports, has resulted in an isolation of people with lifelong disabilities from mainstream gerontological developments. Recent theories of ageing, which incorporate psychosocial concepts, need to be refined in the context of people with cognitive impairments. We argue that such adults can experience an enhanced lifestyle in older age as witnessed by data gathered from them, indicating their understanding of their ageing. We note that this understanding has implications for the development of a more inclusive theory of successful and positive ageing.

Research is limited on whether differing methodologies for facilitating personal contributions from individuals aging with intellectual disability produce equivalent knowledge outcomes. Two matched purpose-developed tools examined five quality-of-life domains. Results showed substantial variance between qualitative interview responses and Likert-scale data, and indicate validity concerns for using either methodology in isolation.

Purpose of the Presentation: • Part of wider study that aimed to provide an assessment of gaps currently preventing the successful ageing in place of both people with and without life-long intellectual disability in rural and urban areas of NSW. • Study funded by the Illawarra Research Trust Research Foundation Grant. • This focus of this paper is an exploration of the individual's own understanding of ageing-in-place and the features that facilitate or impede the achievement of this goal.