Living With CP

A person with cerebral palsy often faces a lot of obstacles in their life. However, fortunately CP is not a life-threatening condition and, in itself, is not a barrier to living a long and productive life. People with CP enjoy satisfying careers, university education, social life, marriage, and become parents. Some limitations are unavoidable, and very few people manage to achieve their dreams of becoming Olympic athletes, concert pianists, or brain surgeons. However, life is still definitely worth living!

The key elements to minimizing the negative aspects of CP include:

MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT - Therapy, exercise, surgery, and the use of adaptive equipment help many people with CP to use their minds and bodies to their full potential.

ACCESS - You cannot lead an independent life if public buildings, washrooms, and transportation are not accessible. To have a good career you need educational opportunities. To have a satisfying social life you need access to recreational facilities and opportunities to develop friendships.

ATTITUDES - It is very hurtful to have someone pat you on the head if you are sitting in a wheelchair, or walk away because they cannot understand what you are trying to say to them. Prejudice and teasing can be very damaging. A good sense of self esteem is required to cope with these negative attitudes. Children can also be hindered if they are over protected and become too dependent. People with disabilities are people first and should never be described by negative labels like "wheelchair-bound", "spastic", or "afflicted with cerebral palsy". All people share similar needs, desires, and responsibilities.

AGING AND CP

Most treatment and research programs concern children with CP. Little research has been done, so far, on aging with a disability CP affects individuals in different ways and it is hard to generalize about the effects of aging. Although people with CP are considered to have a normal life span, the physical challenges of CP may intensify with age (such as increased spasticity, fatigue, loss of strength, and declining mobility), and these physical challenges can in turn lead to increased stress and anxiety. Adults with CP may consider a number of strategies to address the effects of aging.

MAINTAINING PHYSICAL HEALTH

A lifestyle that involves regular exercise and proper nutrition is important for everyone, especially those with disabilities. A good general fitness level will help with range of motion and flexibility, and exercise to improve cardiovascular fitness can improve endurance and help offset age related changes that lead to fatigue. A nutritious, high fibre, low fat diet will help avoid problems with constipation and weight gain and will increase energy levels.

Having CP does not make you immune to other conditions. People with CP are as likely as anyone else to contract heart disease, cancer, or diabetes. Often, a change in the body is put down as an effect of CP when it actually something else.

MAINTAINING MENTAL HEALTH

It may be frustrating for adults to deal with a health care system that appears to have little knowledge or interest regarding the changing needs of aging with a disability. A positive attitude and a sense of humour can make a big difference, and developing relaxation techniques and coping skills can have a beneficial effect on mental and physical health.

The 1990s have seen a shift to a wellness concept of health care with emphasis on self-directed care that requires the individual to take responsibility for decisions and actions that affect their overall health. Individuals need appropriate knowledge, attitudes, and skills to make these decisions. Learning strategies to increase independence and develop coping skills is a life-long process. Parents can foster attitudes that promote self-sufficiency and build self esteem. Adults with disabilities need to learn to take an active role in their personal health management.

The importance of learning skills to increase independence and self-confidence throughout an individual's lifetime cannot be over-emphasized. The stresses associated with aging will be lessened if people are able to maintain a positive personal attitude, if they are involved in meaningful activities, and if they have developed a supportive environment. They need confidence to seek information, to plan for age related changes, and to be an active participants in their health care and lifestyle changes.

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