Page 6 - EPIC E-News_Spring 2021_FIN

Life Expectancy and Disability

By Olushola Oloruntoba

Life expectancy refers to the number of years a person is expected to live. According to Esteban Ortiz-Ospina, in his article enti-
tled Our World in Date, life expectancy is an estimate of the average age that members of a particular population or group will be
when they die. Studies have shown that the average life expectancy for the global population is 70 years of age. While life expec-
tancy for someone with mild, moderate, and severe levels of disabilities is 58.6 years. People living with disabilities face a higher
mortality risk than non-disabled people. Although diseases and other risk factors may be responsible for this difference, we can-

not rule out that more severe disabilities have an independent effect on mortality. EPIC helps the people we support to live a
meaningful and fulfilled life. To this end, our record shows success in helping the people we support live beyond the life expec-
tancy of their population.

At EPIC, we confronted the COVID-19 pandemic with adequate monitoring of CDC guidelines and compliance, and provision of
PPEs to all staff. Our vaccination clinics were one of the very first clinics in our service area. EPIC, in partnership with Walgreens
and CVS pharmacy, conducted what was described as timely and successful vaccination clinics for staff and persons supported
who were willing and able to be vaccinated. The health and wellbeing of our population also reflects their diet and lifestyle. Thus,
supporting our residents in making daily healthy choices has contributed immensely to the success story of residents living be-
yond scientific projections. Doug Lerson, a columnist with the Green Bay press Gazette, stated, “Life expectancy would grow by
leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon.” Sadly, they do not.
People with disabilities who avoid social interactions or have trouble with daily living skills are at increased risk of an early death.
This is why our team pays close attention to community activity participations. EPIC provided a balance by incorporating activities
such as exercises, yoga, cooking practices, and bead-making within our group homes. Flexible outdoor activities like neighbor-
hood walks, van rides, and drive-through events are also enjoyed by persons supported while observing strict COVID-19 proto-
cols.

We would not be EPIC without passionate staff, compassionate delivery of services, and a dedicated management team. Togeth-
er we are geared towards ensuring everyone is not just living their best life today but also thriving well beyond life-expectancy.

Olushola Oloruntoba, Assistant Director, Residential Services, has been at EPIC for three years. A passionate
disabilities advocate, each day Olushola manages the residential program team, liaises with doctor’s offices, and
monitors 15 group homes to ensure that the people we support have the best care and are empowered to lead
their best lives. Olushola has a Master’s Degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello
University, Nigeria and a Master’s Degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria.
He currently lives in Maryland with his wife.
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