Statistics Show Those with Down Syndrome are Happiest People Alive

Veronica Neffinger | iBelieve Contributor | Updated: Mar 20, 2017

Statistics Show Those with Down Syndrome are Happiest People Alive

Tomorrow is World Down Syndrome Day, a day to celebrate the lives of these special people. According to a recent article on John Piper’s Desiring God website, those with Down Syndrome are some of the happiest people alive.

Ninety-nine percent of those surveyed said that they are happy with their lives. Additionally 97 percent answered affirmatively when asked, “Do you like who you are?” Another 99 percent agreed with the statement “Do you love your family?”

No other group of people approaches this high level of satisfaction and happiness in their lives.

Writing for Desiring God, John Knight notes that these statistics reveal a misconception many people have about Down Syndrome and those living with it. Many of us tend to think people living with Down Syndrome would be much less happy, but these statistics show we are wrong.

World Down Syndrome Day is a day to remember and celebrate those whose lives may be different than our own, but just as worthy of attention. It is also a day to dispel myths about Down Syndrome

Knight also notes that caring for and understanding people with Down Syndrome is a great opportunity for the church to be the hands and feet of Christ.

“Next time you hear that Down syndrome is part of the package of a child coming into a family, or you see a young person or adult with Down syndrome coming to your church, don’t stereotype into categories of “tragedy” or otherwise,” he writes. “Rather, pray for wisdom, go introduce yourself to an inherently valuable person (or her parents), and see what God might be pleased to do for them through you — and for you through them.”

 

Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com

Publication date: March 20, 2017



Statistics Show Those with Down Syndrome are Happiest People Alive