A retrospective cohort study from New South Wales, Australia. People with intellectual disability in New South Wales (NSW) face a major life expectancy gap compared with the general population. This research shows their average life expectancy is 67 years around 16 years shorter than the NSW average. The disparity is even greater for people with Down syndrome, whose life expectancy is about 54 years.
Preeyaporn Srasuebkul, Julian Trofimovs, Julian Trollor
Journal BMJ
Wednesday 4th February, 2026