Age at death of people with an intellectual disability in Ireland

This study examined the age at death of people with an intellectual disability in Ireland. Using data from the National Intellectual Disability Database, the average age at death of 1120 people who died between 1996 and 2001 was 45.68 years, with no difference in lifespan between men and women. A more severe level of intellectual disability predicted shorter lifespan. In general, those requiring lower levels of day-to-day support and supervision had a longer lifespan. Those living in the family home had the shortest lifespan while those in hospital residential environments had the longest lifespan. Those not attending any day service had a longer lifespan than those attending a range of day services. There were also differences in age at death across different health board regions. These findings are discussed in light of their implications for service planning.