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Summary

In 2024, training sessions with the use of “the age simulator” are being conducted in Ostrów Wielkopolski, Poland. The training sessions targeted to municipal officials, non-governmental organizations, as well as students at primary schools.
The training with the “age simulator” aims to foster greater empathy and understanding in dealing with older people. It consists of several modules, including a workshop on associations and stereotypes related to old age, a lecture on the aging process of the body, and use of “the age simulator”.
Through training with “the age simulator,” participants can learn about and experience typical changes associated with ageing, including feeling heavier, leading to increased physical effort; limited mobility; changes in body posture causing uncertainty while standing and walking; visual and auditory impairments; as well as diminished dexterity.
“The age simulator” was purchased from the city budget of Ostrów Wielkopolski. The training aims to foster greater empathy and understanding towards the needs of older people.

Website: https://umostrow.pl/

Key facts

Main target group: Both younger and older people (i.e. intergenerational)

Other target group(s): non profit orgaization, city hall officers, students

Sector(s): Health

Desired outcome for older people:
Meet their basic needs

Other issues the Age-friendly practice aims to address:
  • Ageism
  • Inclusion
  • Participation

Contact details

Name: Pajak, Karolina

Email address: kpajak@umostrow.pl

Preferred language(s): english/ spanish

Age-friendly practice in detail (click to expand):

Engaging the wider community

Project lead: Local authorities

Others involved in the project:
  • Civil Society Organisation

How collaboration worked: The project was financed with the city budget.

Older people’s involvement: Older people were not directly involved

Details on older people’s involvement: The project aims to understand the needs of older people. The older people are not directly involved in the project.

Moving forward

Has the impact of this age-friendly practice been analysed: No

Do you plan to evaluate your age-friendly practice? Yes

Feedback:
Participants of the training have been very satisfied with its outcomes. So far, training sessions have been conducted targeting youth from primary schools in Ostrów Wielkopolski. After undergoing tests using “the age simulator”, youth reported that they were not aware of how the body changes when you age and what it may feel like to be an older person. As students have described, after putting on “the age simulator” they feel heavier and stiffer, as if they truly experienced the aging process. They have difficulty climbing stairs and moving around. Thanks to the age simulator, it’s easier to understand that older people have various physical and mental limitations. It helps to realize that disabilities largely associated with ageing can indeed be challenging. In summary, trainings have increased the empathy of young people to the needs and limitations caused by the aging process.

Expansion plans:
The city hall wants to organize more training directed to various social groups.

Looking back

Reflections:
The practice of using “the age simulator” began in 2024. So far, the feedback has been very positive. Training participants highly appreciate the opportunity to check and test “the aging simulator”. Certainly, the training sessions will increase awareness and understanding of the aging experience, especially for those working with older people. Based on the experience gained so far, it can be concluded that the purchase of “the age simulator” was very necessary and that it fulfills its function perfectly. Through training with “the age simulator”, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and other specialists can enhance their skills in working with older people, learning how to better meet their needs.

Challenges:
The purchase of “the age simulator” is another element of the policy implemented in Ostrów Wielkopolski aimed at older persons. Certainly, it is an additional initiative that does not directly serve older persons but helps to understand their needs. At the stage of purchasing the simulator, the city of Ostrów Wielkopolski had already conducted many projects within the scope of policy for older adults, including the Senior + Home, a telecare program, free vaccinations for older persons, and Senior Days. Introducing “the age simulator” was a challenge because it is an innovation, and it was necessary to justify its introduction. The purchase of “the age simulator” should be treated as a supportive element in supporting policies for older persons.