Double Aging Crisis Emerges, Down Syndrome Families Hope for Adult and Elderly Care Support

(Central News Agency Reporter Chen Jie-ling, Taipei, August 8) Families of individuals with Down syndrome are facing a "double aging" crisis. The average caregiving journey for individuals with Down syndrome lasts 55 years, and medical expenses can be up to 13 times that of ordinary families. The Down Syndrome Caregivers Association calls for the extension of disability care from early childhood intervention to adult support and elderly care.

According to the latest statistics from the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 2024, the population with disabilities in Taiwan has exceeded 1.2 million. Among them, individuals with Down syndrome often face decades of medical, educational, and life support. The caregiving pressure does not truly cease as children grow up; a less visible long-term care challenge is occurring in many Down syndrome families.

In Taiwan, approximately 1 in every 1,263 newborns is a baby with Down syndrome. Due to chromosomal abnormalities causing developmental delays, many children require early intervention such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy from birth, and continuous medical follow-up. Lin Mei-chih, chairperson of the Down Syndrome Caregivers Association, stated in a press release today that caring for individuals with Down syndrome is not a matter of a few years, but a decades-long companionship.

With advancements in medical care, the average lifespan of individuals with Down syndrome is gradually increasing. Many families are beginning to face the phenomenon of "double aging," where their children are entering middle and old age, and their primary caregivers are aging simultaneously. When parents become elderly and lose their ability to care, "who will care for the child in the future" becomes the deepest worry for many families. The Down Syndrome Caregivers Association calls for the extension of disability care from early childhood intervention to adult support and elderly care.

In response to the long-term support needs of Down syndrome families, the Down Syndrome Caregivers Association is collaborating with Hi-Life convenience stores to launch the "Become a Supporting Force, Support Down Syndrome Babies" invoice donation charity event from July 8th to October 6th. This event aims to raise resources for the "Down Syndrome Lifelong and Family Support Services Project," assisting individuals with Down syndrome and their families in obtaining stable and continuous support. (Editor: Li Hen-shan) 1150708

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