A new report is highlighting growing concerns about the isolation of elderly people with intellectual disabilities.
The Trinity College study Advancing Years, Different Challenges found only one in 20 older people with an intellectual disability could send text messages. Only 12% said they were able to turn on a a computer, while only 10% could use the internet.
66% of respondents said they have trouble with reading, writing, numeracy and money management, and almost 63% said they were unable to read their own name.
The researchers have called on the Government to do more to boost support networks.
Minister Kathleen Lynch says the report will shape Government policy, and there are 'considerable resources' to act upon the findings. She says the input of those surveyed is hugely significant:
The report also says the rate of dementia among those with Down Syndrome stands at 30% - a rate that has almost doubled in the last three years, and is almost four times more than in the general population.
Report author Professor Mary McCarron says the findings are worrying, particularly because those with intellectual disabilities are less likely to have the same family supports as the general population in their later years and are more reliant on siblings and extended family: