Findings

The purpose of this literature review is to explore existing literature on the mutual interaction of aging and disability factors in individuals with adult-onset physical disabilities.

Methods Significance & Future Directions-Scoping review conducted to identify gaps in research area-PUBMED, SCOPUS, CINAHL-Citation tracking (25)- Article inclusion criteria:(a)focused on individuals aging with adult onset-physical disability; (b) provided insight on terminology used in describing someone aging with an adult-onset disability; and/or(a)described models of disability and aging.

-Explores an important but overlooked sector of the aging cohort-May help inform practice & policy agendas for this fast growing population-Demonstrates the importance of understanding both positive and negative aspects of aging with a physical disability-Highlights the need for a balanced model to explain the mutual influence of aging and disability factors-Current Masters thesis underway

Two thousand and eleven marks entry of the world’s largest birth cohort into the 65+ age category. Over the next half century, Canada's aging population is expected to double as the remaining Baby Boomers cross the threshold into old age. The sheer number of aging adults has received considerable attention, but one sector of the

aging cohort that has fallen under the radar is those aging with a long-term physical disability. Potential reasons for this may include (a) recent increases in longevity for those with disabilities; (b) the emphasis on successful aging and; (c) a focus on intellectual, developmental, or psychological impairments.

Gilson, S., & Netting, F. (1997). When people with pre-existing disabilities age in place: Implications for social work practice. Health and Social Work, 22(4), 290-298.Putnam, M. (2002). Linking aging theory and disability models: Increasing the potential to explore aging with a physical impairment. The Gerontologist, 42(6), 799-806.Campbell, M. (1996). A research perspective: Next steps in bridging the gap between aging and disability: Maximizing human potential. Quarterly Newsletter of the Aging, Disability and Rehabilitation Network of the American Society on Aging, 3(4), 1-3.Finch, J., & Robinson, M. (2003). Aging and late-onset disability: Addressing workplace accommodation. Journal of Rehabilitation, 69(2), 38-42.Reyes, R. (2009). Aging with a spinal cord injury. Retrieved on June, 30, 2010 from http://sci.washington.edu/info/forums/reports/aging_6.09.asp#report .

Introduction

Purpose

The two sectors are “ideologically at odds” and

built upon differing philosophies, which

makes amalgamation difficult.

(Gilson & Netting, 1997, p. 291) (Putnam, 2002, p. 799) (Campbell, 1996, p. 292) (Finch & Robinson, 2003, p. 38) (Reyes, 2009, p. 2)

Initial SearchN = 285

Excluded: Before 1975 (N = 2)

Titles and AbstractsN = 270

3Included

Excluded: If not English (N = 13)

Excluded: Did not meet inclusion criteria (N = 264) or Duplicates (N=3)

N = 283

Step 1Excluded articles using exclusion criteria

Step 2Screened titles and abstracts using eligibility criteria for inclusion