Experiencing Aging with Cerebral Palsy: Challenges and Adaptations
Aging with cerebral palsy (CP) means embracing a life that comes with both challenges and unique advantages. While the prospect of approaching old age can bring about a spectrum of bodily changes, individuals with CP often have a certain resilience that helps them adapt to these natural occurrences.
Understanding Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. It is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain. For many individuals with CP, their condition was present from birth, making them accustomed to managing a life with physical limitations early on.
Tory shares his personal experience: "I was expected to die before I was a month old. That’s my baptism certificate."
The Journey of Aging
As Tory points out, aging with CP can carry its own set of difficulties, but the onset of these challenges is often seen as a natural part of the aging process. Although living with CP can include chronic pain and mobility issues, the reality is that many people with CP face these challenges more consistently throughout their lives.
Physical Changes and Adaptations
Walking: Tory indicates that his gait has become less steady over time, noting that he 'wobbles a bit' when carrying groceries and trips more often on stairs.' This change is common as one ages, but for someone with CP, it is experienced in the context of long-term physical limitations.
Body Awareness: The body experiences changes such as worn joints, which Tory mentions with his 'creaking knees.' Physical activity, like swimming, remains a valuable source of pain relief and exercise, though the intensity of these activities may need to be adjusted.
Adaptive Movements: Tory discovered that his gait changes are not solely age-related; he can now walk straight while walking backwards with his dog, a skill he couldn't perform earlier in life. This highlights the adaptive capabilities that come with age and experience.
Leveraging Advantage: Early Adaption and Resilience
Individuals with CP often enter their adult years with a head start in terms of adaptation and resilience. The early engagement in physical and occupational therapy prepares them for life-long challenges, making them more resourceful and prepared to handle the changes that aging brings.
Tory remarks, "I think of my life as a constant, so in that way I am lucky.” This perspective reflects the value of finding stability and routine in a life that inherently involves fluctuating physical capabilities.
Challenges and Coping Mechanisms
While the challenges are real, coping mechanisms and life adjustments are key. For example, Tory no longer rides his bicycle as much and recognizes the difference in his body's capabilities. This awareness is crucial in managing a condition that requires ongoing adjustments.
Age-related changes can sometimes be subtle but meaningful, and for individuals with CP, it is important to acknowledge and adapt to these changes without deeming them as an outright failure or a sign of extreme decline.
Conclusion
The experience of aging with cerebral palsy is indeed unique. While the physical and mental challenges can be significant, the knowledge and resilience gained from early life experiences help in navigating the complexities of aging. Individuals with CP like Tory inspire us with their adaptability and the way they see life as a constant journey.
Understanding and respecting the diverse experiences of aging can add depth to our collective understanding of what it means to grow old, especially in the context of living with cerebral palsy.