Aging With Long-Term Physical Disabilities and Its Implications for Nursing: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Aim: To synthesise literature on the aging characteristics of people with long-term physical disabilities and inform future nursing research, education, practice and health policy.

Design: Scoping review.

Data source: Literature searches were performed in the CINAHL, PubMed, and PsycINFO databases in April 2024.

Methods: A systematic scoping review was conducted, beginning with the initial screening of titles and abstracts, followed by full-text analysis. Eligibility criteria focused on the population (people with long-term physical disabilities), concept (biopsychosocial characteristics of aging), context (individual/population-level) and publications from 2000 to 2024. Selected articles underwent thematic analysis.

Results: Of the 814 identified articles, 31 met the inclusion criteria, from which 8 themes emerged. Physically, people with long-term physical disabilities experience accelerated aging, increased secondary conditions and a heightened falls risk. Psychologically, they exhibit both negative affectivity and resilience, alongside psychological growth. Socially, they encounter persistent barriers, leading to socioeconomic disadvantages, notably in education, employment, income and transportation.

Conclusion: This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the biopsychosocial aging characteristics of people with long-term physical disabilities, elucidating their diverse experiences and adaptations throughout their life course.

Implications: Future research should focus on understanding the multidimensional aging trajectory of this population longitudinally and identifying factors related to accelerated aging to develop tailored interventions at optimal time points to improve their aging experience. Increased attention to nursing education and training in disability-cultural competence is required to alleviate attitudinal barriers in healthcare services. Policy efforts must enhance disability data justice and improve transportation accessibility.

Impact: The study highlights that people with long-term physical disabilities may have less optimal aging experiences, findings that could guide development of nursing interventions and changes to policy designed to enhance their well-being.

Reporting method: This review adheres to the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews and the Joanna Briggs Institute's scoping reviews guideline.

Patient or public contribution: None.

Keywords: aging; aging with disability; disability; health disparity; nursing; population health; scoping review; vulnerable populations.