Some problems may be linked to widespread changes in physiology. Such changes are common to many, if not most, persons aging with disability, regardless of the original disability. These problems often begin with loss of strength, endurance and range of motion, along with increased pain. This complex of symptoms may be the most characteristic age-associated functional change with age. In their study, persons aging with mental retardation had far fewer of these functional changes compared to persons aging with physical disabilities.
Employment seems to be a functional activity especially vulnerable to the effects of aging.
Because employment is such a valued and important activity, many persons aging with disability who experience problems with fatigue, pain and weakness try to maintain work roles above all else. Our studies indicate that individuals decrease recreation, get more help with IADLs, and try to get more rest in order to preserve their work capacity. However, these efforts may not suffice. To summarize, as persons with disability begin to reach age 50, many show the kind of functional changes that would not be expected until age 70-75 in people without disabilities. However, what is clear is that service providers need to learn more about these recent discoveries in order to better plan and provide services.