People with severe intellectual disabilities live 24 years less on average
Summary
A study found that people with severe intellectual disabilities in England live 24 years less on average than the general population, with 40% of their deaths being avoidable. The study also revealed that those from minority ethnic backgrounds die 14 years younger than white people with similar disabilities, highlighting health care inequalities.Key Facts
- People with severe or profound intellectual disabilities die at an average age of 58, compared to 82 in the general population.
- 40% of deaths among people with severe intellectual disabilities were considered avoidable, often occurring before age 75.
- Pneumonia and epilepsy were the main preventable causes of death in this group.
- People with mild or moderate intellectual disabilities die at an average age of 65.
- Those from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic groups with severe intellectual disabilities die 14 years younger than white peers.
- Researchers used data from the Office for National Statistics and the LeDeR program covering deaths in England from 2021 to 2023.
- Experts say better healthcare access, regular health checks, vaccination, and timely treatment could reduce these early deaths.
- The study highlights ongoing healthcare inequalities affecting people with severe intellectual disabilities, especially from ethnic minorities.
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