Aging Simulation
The Aging Simulation offers participants a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of the elderly and gain firsthand insight into the challenges they face. Through a series of carefully crafted activities, participants experience simulated scenarios that mimic the physical, sensory, and cognitive limitations often associated with aging as well as social losses individuals may experience while aging. Participants not only gain a greater appreciation for the resilience of the elderly but also acquire practical knowledge that can inform their interactions and decision-making in caregiving roles or professional settings. The Aging Simulation through the Pruett Gerontology Center serves as a powerful educational tool, allowing empathy, awareness, and a deeper understanding of the aging process.
Purpose
Examples of Stations During the Simulation
The stations of an aging simulation offer participants experiential insights into the physical and cognitive challenges associated with growing older. Here are a couple examples we use:
- memory station
- prescription sorting station
- technology station
- & more!
Quotes From Occupational Therapy Graduate Students
ACU Occupational Therapy Graduate Students participated in the simulation in April of 2024. During a post simulation survery, they were asked what emotions they felt and what disabilities they experiened were the hardest on them. A majority of the students responded that they felt frustration trying to complete the tasks they were given with the limitations of the simulated impairments. They were also confused and upset by the aspect of the simulation that mimicked how the elderly are sometimes treated negatively due to the lack of patience and empathy by others.
Most of the students found the shortness of breath and vision loss experierences to be the most difficult.
Finally, they were asked how the experience will affect how they will work with older adults in the future:
“I will take into consideration the patience that these patients would benefit from. They feel this way with time, and they can’t do anything about it, but people don’t realize how much it affects their performance.”
“I will emphasize with them and understand some of their struggles.”
“I will take time to understand their disabilities, speak slow and clear, and give them breaks during activities.”
“I will take into consideration their deficts more and adapt/modify my delivery of services.”
