Now, however, we are experiencing the nakrral process of aging superimposed on other impairments that have imposed a range of physical, emotional and financial penalties on our daily lives. Apparently, the process of aging relates not only to chronological age but also the age at which one was disabled. Depending on one's lifestyle, genetic heritage, and type of disability, living 20 or 30 years with a disability produces wear and tear on the muscles, skeletal system, and other body systems. Most people with major physical disabilities of 30 years' duration note some tenderness and soreness in joints, muscles, and tendons that have been carrying an extra load because of impaired physical functioning in other parts of the body. As people with disabilities age, the physical penalty appears to increase.
Rehabilitation medicine continues to focus on management newly acquired disabilities.
Hence there is little knowledge to offer the person who lives with a long-term disability. The gap between the needs of people with disabilities who are aging and existing programs to help minimize the impact of the aging process is immense. Future research in this area must be broadened. One way to accomplish this is to apply some of the core principles of the independent living movement. We ourselves accomplish service coordination to the greatest extent possible.