Why people with Down syndrome are living longer than ever

People with Down syndrome are living longer than ever and an ongoing photo project aims to upend stereotypes about them. 

Laura LaChance, the executive director of the Canadian Down Syndrome Society, says evidence shows an extraordinary growth in life expectancy over the last few decades.

"The research is showing us that life expectancy has more than doubled in the last generation, and where in the early 1980s you might expect a life expectancy of 25 years, now 60 is the average," she says. 

Many people who have Down syndrome also have a heart defect. In the past, it went undiagnosed and could cause death in infants and children. Today in Canada, more people are diagnosed early on and the condition is treated. 

In the past, Canadians with intellectual disabilities often were compelled to live in large institutions from a young age. LaChance thinks the move to community and family living over the last 40 years has also led to longer and happier lives. 

LaChance, whose 30-year-old son Kevin has Down syndrome, says that good news wasn't reflected in the images she saw of people today.

"I think there still are some stereotypes to be broken, some myths and misconceptions to be busted about the ability and even the presence of individuals with intellectual disabilities as they age in the community."

LaChance says she had the idea to work with photographer Hilary Gauld to showcase the lives lived by people with Down syndrome. 

"I just felt there was a huge gap and a huge need to photograph people with Down syndrome in great light and in great environments and doing the things they do," Gauld told CBC News.

However, budget limits kept the Here I Am cameras in central Canada. CBC decided to visit some Nova Scotians with Down syndrome to add to the images. 

Adam Bauld recently celebrated his 40th birthday in Halifax. He enjoys spending time with his parents and two brothers. He plays sports, including at the Special Olympics. 

He works at Clearwater Seafoods in customer service and enhanced cleaning. 

"I started in February 2005. And these are my long service awards — 10 years of service in 2015, 15 years of service 2020, during the COVID pandemic. And I also got a congratulation pack for service," he says, showing his awards. 

For the last decade, art has been a major passion. His paintings decorate his room.