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People with disabilities, of whatever nature, currently enjoy a very significant increase in their life expectancy. Their new longevity is set within the context of a general increase of life expectancy among the population of developed countries, stemming from proactive health and social policies and from changing social perceptions of disability. This article surveys the life expectancy data (broken down by nature of the disability) along with some morbidity and mortality data for specific conditions (Down’s syndrome, disabled women, cancer and mental health). Other aspects are also addressed, such as the problems of premature or specific ageing relating to ageing disabled workers. With the exception of certain particular conditions such as Down’s syndrome, genetic disorders and major mobility impairment, the ageing of disabled people is in fact similar to that of the general population. Complex problems are raised by the situation of disabled persons growing old at home, outside institutional support. Their new longevity has increased the visibility of disabled persons and is leading to a true paradigm shift in social perceptions, professional practices and health and social policies.