Britain's Oldest Person With Down Syndrome Celebrates 77th Birthday Despite Odds

Sep 23, 2019

George Wildgust is a senior citizen in Britain who just had his 77th birthday. What is remarkable about his story is that his mother was told he would not live past ten years old due to his condition—George has Down syndrome.

According to researchers in a study titled "The four ages of Down syndrome," the average lifespan of a person with Down syndrome is about 60 years. At age 77, George is far past that milestone and is considered as the oldest person in Britain with Down syndrome.

George's niece Nikki Wright said in the Nottingham Post that he has probably lived for so long because he was always encouraged and was granted a lot of independence from their family.

George was so independent that he was a tradesman before retiring as a gardener and as a rug maker. He has two siblings: a younger brother, 71-year-old Colin who George outlived, and an older sister, 79-year-old Jean Yessyan who Skypes with him from Australia reports People.

George now lives in a care home in Nottingham with 12 other residents. He has a happy time dancing and coloring there, and one of the carers said “Honestly, every single day you come to work he will make you smile," to the BBC. 

People also reports that George had a few health issues lately but has bounced back. He and his niece can now return to their favorite show "Strictly Come Dancing" as well as dancing through the halls of the care home.

Congratulations to George Wildgust on his 77th turn around the sun! Pass this article along to friends and family.