Ithaca College

People with developmental disabilities are living longer than ever before, thanks to better medical care and research. However, their aging process can be complicated by both lifelong and new health issues. In addition, 25 percent of people with developmental disabilities who live at home with their family, live with an aging family caregiver who is 60 years or older, and this percentage is rising. What happens when aging parents develop their own medical and cognitive decline? Who will assume caregiving for both?

These and other issues will be explored as Elizabeth Perkins, Ph.D., RNMH, discusses “The Known and Unknown of Aging with Developmental Disabilities” on Monday, February 11, at 7 p.m. at Ithaca College Emerson Suites as part of the Ithaca College Gerontology Institute Distinguished Speaker Series.  This free event is open to the public and is presented in partnership with Franziska Racker Centers, the Finger Lakes Independence Center, Ithaca College Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, and The Program in Aging and Developmental Disabilities, Finger Lakes Geriatric Education Center, University of Rochester Medical Center.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodation for this event should contact the Gerontology Institute at (607) 274-1607 or dwells@ithaca.edu as much in advance of the event as possible.