ERIC Number: EJ1255573
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2047-3869
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Psychosocial Experiences of the Ageing of Middle-Aged People with Intellectual Disabilities in South Korea
Mee Kim, Kyung; Shin, Yu-Ri; Hwang, Sekwang
International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, v66 n3 p196-203 2020
This study aims to explore the psychosocial experiences of the ageing of middle-aged people with intellectual disabilities in Korea. Data were collected through 28 face-to-face interviews with Korean individuals with intellectual disabilities, aged between 40 and 50. This study identified several key factors faced by middle-aged people with intellectual disabilities. First, they experience financial constraints due to a lack of economic self-determination. Second, they have a very narrow range of social connections. Typically, they have small and weak networks consisting of only a few social workers, personal assistants, or group home workers, or their peers at group home or workshops. This is often due to a lack of information, money, and age-appropriate services. Third, those who have jobs in middle age have positive opportunities acquired through work. Fourth, study participants experienced considerable unspecified anxiety about ageing, as well as fear of death and uncertainty regarding the future. Recommendations are made to improve active ageing in an appropriate setting for middle-aged people with intellectual disabilities. Improved training and education about economic self-determination are needed for these individuals and their families, as well as improved information about community services. Moreover, enhanced community services for them must be developed. These individuals would benefit from improved employment opportunities as well. Workshops regarding active ageing and death should be developed. Finally, future plans for living placement must be in place.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Aging (Individuals), Adults, Intellectual Disability, Barriers, Self Determination, Interpersonal Relationship, Networks, Anxiety, Training, Community Programs, Employment Opportunities, Death, Personal Autonomy, Money Management, Social Life
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: South Korea
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A