“Old Age”: A Physical Simulation

*first-hand "experience" of some of the many aches and pains as well as sensory losses
commonly associated with the aging process*

Directions – Complete all the steps with your partner. One partner will modify their ability
to perform activities in ways that simulate motor and/or sensory changes which frequently
accompany old age. Students must undertake everyday tasks in their impaired state and
should not remove simulating devices until the exercise is completed. The other
partner will be the “caregiver”. This person is responsible for maintaining the safety of
their “elderly” partner both indoors and outdoors.

I. Assuming Impairments
VISION: Age-related changes in vision usually begin in midlife, then tend to stabilize
until around age 70 or 80, when further visual changes occur. About 95% of individuals
over 70 years of age develop cataracts or some other form of vision loss. Although older
individuals can compensate environmentally for many of these changes by increasing
illumination, reducing glare, using large, clear visual images, and using higher contrasts
between foreground and background materials (Ellis, 1991), they are more likely to
experience problems with daily tasks.

To simulate vision impairments:

 Put on glasses/goggles which impose blurred vision.

 Coat lenses with petroleum jelly or tape to simulate cataracts.

HEARING: Changes in acoustic acuity begin at midlife. They usually are very mild until
individuals reach 60 or 70 years of age, when reduced ability to hear low intensity and
high frequency sounds pose significant problems for over a third of older individuals.
Presbycusis, or high-frequency loss, makes it difficult to distinguish consonants and
understand verbal messages. "That's the wrong way" may be interpreted as "That's the
long way." To improve communication, raising your voice does not help. Instead use a
low-pitched voice, speak slowly. Rephrase your sentence, if the hearing impaired person
does not understand you. Avoid background noise and make sure that your face is in
clear view of the listener (to enable lip reading).

To simulate hearing loss: Place ear plugs or absorbent cotton balls into both ears.

MOBILITY: The ability to be mobile and to remain active depends upon the combined
functions of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal systems. Age-related
changes in these three systems are well documented in the literature; however the
inevitability of some of these changes is currently in question (Ellis, 1991). Major
threats to mobility and other activities of daily living (ADLs) are caused by illnesses,
such as arthritis, strokes, or pulmonary disease.

To simulate impairments in joint mobility, balance and respiratory function:

 Use transparent tape to restrict the movement of thumb, index and middle
finger joints of the dominant hand (to simulate stiffness due to arthritis)
  Use an ace bandage to restrict the movement of one knee joint (to simulate
restricted movement due to arthritis).

 Take the straw and breathe through it while walking up stairs (to simulate
respiratory problems).

II. Carry Out the Following Activities:

The students will leave the class room with their partner. The “elderly” student will
experience their new functional status while attending to regular activities for about 15
minutes. They will not remove the simulating devices until the exercise is completed.
Make sure one "caregiver" stays with each impaired participant at all times. Suggested
activities:

 Move about campus, indoors and outdoors - negotiating stairs, hallways, and
ramps
 Purchase a snack (and eat and/or drink it)
 Make a telephone call, text
 Use the toilet
 Tie your shoe

III. Reflect on the Experience

Answer the following questions in complete sentences. Use at least one example from
you experience per answer as evidence to back up your statement.

 What happened while you where out there?

 Did you experience any difficulties?
 Describe your feelings about this experience.
 Does the experience stimulate thoughts about the reactions and behaviors of
older individuals who have some form of impairment?