Living with Cerebral Palsy for a Century
Today, I came across an amazing story about living with cerebral palsy. I think you will find it very interesting too:
Inez Maisel, who turned 100 on Feb. 13, said she didn’t particularly want to live so long, but she’s thankful for her “interesting life.”
Maisel may be the oldest living person with cerebral palsy, according to Nelson.Verna Webber, 107; Inez Maisel, 100; and Lloyd Dresser, 101
“I contacted some cerebral palsy experts,” Nelson said. “They said they don’t keep records, but they haven’t heard of anyone with the condition living to be 100.”
Nelson said cerebral palsy, which is usually caused by injury to the brain before, during or shortly after birth, affects body movements and muscle coordination.
Although experts at Cerebral Palsy Source, for example, said it’s not helpful to make generalizations on the life expectancy for adults with the condition, most people with moderate to severe cerebral palsy, such as Maisel, live to be 60 or 70. Appropriate health care and enjoying a satisfying range of occupational interests and social activities are factors that strengthen their will to live.
Maisel claims 75 years as a vegetarian didn’t hurt.
Speaking with the help of her sister Sunny Powers, who visits every day, Maisel said she led a productive life, helping care for other family members, making friends and sharpening her mind sharp through reading and keeping up with politics and current events.
Honestly, I cannot say I want to live to be 100 years old But, it is nice to see that our longevity doesn’t necessarily interlink with cerebral palsy.
I also agree with Maisel that trying to maintain a healthy body and a healthy mind will also improve the chances of living a longer, fuller life.
Personally, I would venture a guess that she also has a good sense of humor and spunky personality? What do you think?
March 4th, 2010 at 4:47 am
well happy Birthday Ines Maisel, Your story touched me. I was just browsing on line for some reason I wanted to look up who is the oldest living human being, male or female with CP. Your story put a smile on my face.
Hi I am Sera, and yes I have CP, monoplegia very rare kind of CP. I grew up not knowing exactly why my (gait) the way I walk was different to the way my brothers and sisters and everybody else walked. My left leg is also 5/8 of an inch shorter which is not much but makes a whole lot of difference. However I taught myself about my disability as my parents with little knowledge always was said this is god’s work. Now an adult I do believe they are right, Dear God above has different tests for all human beings. MINE was CP. Recently often thought to myself is it possible for someone even with Mild CP to live a very long life. Ines Maisel is LIVING proof and from the picture I have viewed above she seems to have a more severe kind of CP. I cant put a finger on why I have CP it could be a lot of factors relating to my mothers pregnecy whilst carrying me, or a mild stroke at birth, born premature. Either way that was written for Me to have for all my life until I leave this earth. I guess if I won a BILLION “Dollars” it wouldnt cure my CP or anybody else’s CP for that matter. I am grateful though with all my daily aches and pains I manage very well for myself compared to many others who sadly can barely move. I dont know if I will live as long as Ines Maisel, what ever time God gives me is a blessing.
Happy birthday Ines Maisel. \\ xx
Sera
March 4th, 2010 at 7:51 am
Sera,
Thank you for your comment. I am constantly trying to find topics of interest to post. I too have always been curious about growing older with CP. I hope I continue to find interesting topics and article ideas.
Thank you for your visit. I hope you come back soon.
Tina
October 13th, 2010 at 11:58 am
That’s awesome! I have quad CP and have been in a wheelchair my whole life but, thankfully, its not very severe at all and I live a very “normal” (for lack of a better word) life. I had never really thought of how long I’ll live and how my dissability will affect my life expectancy but about a year and a half ago I had a baby girl and with her in my life I want more than anything to live a long healthy life so I can see her grow and get married and have children and see their children grow and be happy. Its good to know that CP won’t stand in my way of being able to
October 13th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
Emily,
Aren’t children so wonderful! I am glad you are able to have the experience of being a mother. My children are what give me reason to keep pushing myself, even when I am having a bad day. I think there is no reason why we can’t live as long as anyone else, even though we are in wheelchairs. Of course, it depends on other health issues; but, if you take care of yourself, pay attention to your body and how you feel, you might just see those grandkids.
(Both of mine are saying they don’t want kids. But, they are 18 and 13, so I haven’t given up hope. 
)
May 9th, 2011 at 4:43 pm
Well outlined info, thanks ,
October 5th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
What a very inspiring story. Being the grandmother of a 4 year old with Athetoid C.P. I love hearing positive stories about people who are older, though not exactly so I feel it gives me a glimpse into her future. Happy Birthday wishes to Ines Maisel and Thank you for posting Tina! Also thank you for posting about my special needs Christmas cards, I really appreciate it!
October 7th, 2011 at 5:15 pm
I have mild cerebal paulsey and 3 young children, i just been made a single parent. Im so pleased to hear you have reached 100. Happy birthday. You have given me hope, i may actually see my grandchildren and maybe even great grandchildren.
October 9th, 2011 at 10:04 pm
Evanne, I have not reached 100. It was an article about another woman that I found in my search for information. However, I am halfway there.
April 22nd, 2012 at 10:47 pm
I glad to see that age in a person. Happy birthday. Super Happy…