Published January 13, 2015
The caregivers for an 80-year-old man with Down syndrome think he could end up in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Bert Holbrook lives in a Waseca group home with other mentally disabled adults.
His nurse, Pat Foley, believes he is the oldest living person with Down syndrome in the world. Foley expects confirmation to arrive any day now.
The previous record was set by a man in Great Britain, who died last year at age 68.
Better health care has led to a longer life expectancy for those with Down syndrome, a chromosomal disorder. But lifespans generally don't exceed 55 years.
Foley says Holbrook is in good health now, but she says he got very sick last winter. His caregivers weren't sure if he would make his 80th birthday, so they threw him a party when he turned 79 1/2.
https://www.foxnews.com/story/80-year-old-may-be-oldest-living-with-down-syndrome