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?
