Disability

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Leading a Long and Healthy Life Burning Nights Shropshire Disability Network

Having a disability does not mean a person is not healthy or that he or she cannot be healthy. Being healthy means the same thing for all of us, getting and staying well so we can lead full, active lives. That means having the tools and information to make healthy choices and knowing how to prevent illness.

For people with disabilities, it also means knowing that health problems related to a disability can be treated. These problems, also called secondary conditions, can include pain, depression, and a greater risk for certain illnesses.

To be healthy, people with disabilities require health care that meets their needs as a whole person, not just as a person with a disability. Most people with or without disabilities can stay healthy by learning about and living healthy lifestyles.

If you would like further information, please consult the 'helpful links' section on this page.

Fact Zone

Older people are more likely to develop a disability and most disabled people are adults. More than 11 million people in the UK are disabled, around 6% of whom are children.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission says that 58% of people over 50 will have a long-term health condition by 2020.

More than 1 million disabled people live alone in the UK, and many more lead independent lives with help

More people are living with a disability now than in the past because we’re living longer, and improved medical treatments are enabling more people to manage long-term health problems.