Elderly persons with mental retardation: an exceptional population with special needs.

The passage of recent legislation has ensured special service provisions for a previously overlooked population, elderly persons with mental retardation. This article presents a broad overview of current research studies on this topic and focuses on identification of the population, residential options, and service needs of elderly persons with mental retardation. Similarities and differences between older persons with developmental disabilities and the non-retarded elderly, and service need requirements of this particular population are also included. Finally, the importance of developing collaborative services of developmental disability agencies and aging services is discussed as well as recommendations for future research needs.