[Perceptions of being old in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities-results of a qualitative public health study].

Background: Although the number of elderly people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) has increased significantly in recent decades, there are still far too few offers for housing and care in Germany that are specially tailored to the needs and wishes of this group. In addition, it is unclear how people with IDD perceive their own age and whether they are even able to empathize with their future selves. Methods: This qualitative study was based on structured interviews with 16 adults with IDD (10 women, 6 men; age: 24-59 years; language skills: very good to moderate; degree of intellectual disability: very mild to moderate; socioemotional stage of development: SEO 4 to ≥ SEO 5). Based on the interviews, a structuring content analysis according to Mayring was carried out using an inductive approach. Results: There was strong evidence that the level of intellectual disability and socioemotional development, as well as the level of language skills may influence the ability of people with IDD to empathize with their future selves. However, like people without disabilities and regardless of the degree of their disabilities, in old age almost all of them would like to remain where they currently live, to be with their closest relatives and friends, and to be cared for by the people who are caring for them now. However, unlike people without disabilities, everyone reacted quite calmly to the idea of having to make use of additional tools or assistance in old age due to illness. Conclusions: In the future when planning housing and care offers, the needs, ideas, and wishes of people with IDD should be included. In doing so, their degree of intellectual and socioemotional disability and their language skills must also be taken into account. This of course will require greater flexibility in the planning and providing of appropriate housing and care services.