Over half of adults with learning difficulties do not live past 65, report says
A new report from the LeDeR review reveals that over half of adults with learning disabilities in England die before age 65. The findings highlight a 19-year life expectancy gap compared to the general population, though avoidable deaths from treatable conditions have seen a slight decline.
Why it matters
It exposes systemic healthcare inequalities and the urgent need for better medical support and advocacy for vulnerable populations.
Charlie Lander (centre) died aged 48 after swallowing a plastic glove [Rosalie Lander] More than half of adults with learning disabilities in England die before the age of 65, an annual report into mortality suggests.
For the general population, that figure is 15%, according to the Learning Disabilities Mortality Review, which is known as the LeDeR and was commissioned by NHS England.
It looked at deaths recorded between 2021 and 2024 and found those with a learning disability died, on average, 19 years younger than the general population.
A government spokesperson said "significant action" was already underway to improve care, adding that ministers would "do all we can for people with a learning disability and autistic people."
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in