de Lima, Kálya Yasmine Nunes and McCausland, Darren and McCallion, Philip and McCarron, Mary (2026) Intergenerational change in health, well-being and social inclusion for two groups of adults with intellectual disability aged 40-49: findings from a national longitudinal study. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 39, (3), e70254. https://doi.org/10.1111/jar.70254.
External website: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jar.70...
BACKGROUND: This paper examines differences in health, well-being and social inclusion between two generations of adults with intellectual disability in their 40s, measured 12 years apart.
METHOD: Data was drawn from Waves 1 and 5 of the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. Descriptive statistics were calculated at Waves 1 and 5 and outcomes were analysed using CHAID (Chi Squared Automatic Interaction Detection) decision tree.
RESULTS: Wave was the main predictor of increased weekly contact with friends (p < 0.001), internet use (p < 0.001) and alcohol consumption (p < 0.001). Mild exercise (p < 0.001) and moderate exercise decreased (p < 0.001). Self-rated health (p < 0.001) and mental health ratings (p = 0.006) improved, while loneliness declined (p = 0.041). Use of general practitioners (p < 0.001), social work (p < 0.001) and home help (p = 0.020) declined, whereas optician (p = 0.001) and dermatological services (p = 0.048) increased.
CONCLUSION: Intergenerational changes were observed, with improved social inclusion and health perceptions, alongside shifts in behaviour and healthcare use.
B Substances > Alcohol
J Health care, prevention, harm reduction and treatment > Risk and protective factors > Risk factors
L Social psychology and related concepts > Social inclusion and exclusion
VA Geographic area > Europe > Ireland
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