Prince George, B.C. – Northern BC has the fastest growing older population in British Columbia, putting preparing for the health and wellbeing of senior citizens across the North increasingly on the agenda. Within this aging demographic, there are a growing number of sometimes forgotten older adults – those with developmental disabilities such as Down’s syndrome.

 

In the 1930s, the average age of death for people with a developmental disability was about 19 years of age; by the late 1980s, it was about 67 years of age. For those with Down syndrome, average life expectancy was about 10 years of age in the 1930s and today about 57 years. Advances in medicine along with health and social care have made this incredible increase in life expectancy possible. But these advances also require shifts in our social and health care programs to meet the needs of this new group of older adults.

 

In order to better ensure that needs of older citizens with developmental disabilities are addressed, members from a number of community organizations and services have come together to form the Prince George Community Group for Aging with Developmental Disabilities. Affiliated organizations include AIMHI – Prince George Association for Community Living, Alzheimer’s Society, BC Psychogeriatric Association, Community Living BC, Gerontological Nurses Association of BC, Northern Health Authority, Phoenix Transition House, Prince George Council of Seniors, Prince George Native Friendship Society, and University of Northern BC School of Social Work.

 

The group began its work by hosting a conference on developmental disabilities, quality of life and aging; and a roundtable discussion at UNBC. Both events were organized in partnership with the IASSID Academy on Education, Training and Research – part of the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities (IASSID- www.iassid.org). With more than 165 participants including service providers, health care professionals, educators, researchers, family members, students, policy makers and individuals with developmental disabilities, both events were a huge success.

 

“Ensuring the wellbeing of all our citizens as they age is a significant responsibility. It is particularly important that we remember the critical needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities and of their families,” commented UNBC Social Work Professor, Dr. Nancy Jokinen, Chair of the Prince George Group for Developmental Disabilities and Aging.

 

 “We are excited that such a significant undertaking, with such a committed group of individuals and organizations involved, is being initiated here in northern BC.”