Background: Aspects of daily life have been considered in a population of people with Down syndrome, followed repeatedly from infancy to 21-years old, and again at 30-, 35- and 40-years old. A control sample of non-disabled babies were seen at the same ages. Method: Parents (usually the mothers) and/or carers were interviewed about the people's health, independence, occupation, leisure activities and social relationships. Results and Conclusions: The health of the people with Down syndrome continued to be reasonably good though less good than that of the controls. Engagement in further education increased and attendance at social education centres decreased, while a minority were in employment. Over two-thirds participated in at least one sport, and although participation decreased over time the fall-off was no more than is seen in the general population. Fewer than half the people with Down syndrome were thought capable of being left in the house alone for over an hour or to go out alone beyond the garden, and social relationships for the majority were limited.