A Minnesota man recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest with Down syndrome has died at age 83.
Bert Holbrook was identified as the world’s oldest man with Down syndrome in November 2008. The Waseca, Minn. resident died on Wednesday of natural causes, a caregiver told the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Those who knew Holbrook attributed his long life to good genes. They told the Star Tribune that Holbrook, who outlived his parents and his sister, was a “charismatic” man with a constant smile on his face.
Many with Down syndrome have heart problems and other health conditions. Until recently it was rare for those with the chromosomal disorder to reach old age.
While Holbrook was the oldest man with Down syndrome, at least one woman had him beat. Joyce Greenman, 87, of England holds the Guinness record for being the world’s oldest woman living with the developmental disability.
In response to the Guiness record as the oldest living person with a developmental disability is currently 87 and living in England, I work at an agency serving individuals with developmental disabilities where a woman recently celebrated her 90th birthday and had a terrific party to mark this milestone!
How great it is that our folks are living longer and hopefully healthier lives and benefiting from the advances of modern medicine.
My uncle, Per Jörgen Bonde Magnuson with Down Syndrome, will be 80 years old on 5th of March 2013.