Activity four – Walk a Mile in My elderly shoes

After reading Chapter Nine of your book, you should be able to engage in the following activity.

Students often have difficulty understanding or appreciating the sensory losses that sometimes accompany aging. Herbert Shore (1976), who designed a training program to help people who work with the elderly better understand sensory losses, suggests several simple and effective simulations, some of which can be experienced in class, and some of which might best be done out of class.

Hearing. According to Shore, hearing loss is one of the most problematic sensory impairments for the elderly because the lack of clarity and understanding can lead to suspiciousness and paranoia.

Activity:

I want you to find a couple of cotton balls, or wadded up tissue, and stuff in your ears. You should still be able to hear, if not, take some mass away. I want your hearing impaired.

Then, attend a non-learning environment event, such as church or Sunday school and try and understand the words being said. You could also listen to a YouTube video or lecture. Choose something that will not affect others in a negative way.

DO NOT DRIVE WITH THE COTTON OR TISSUE IN YOUR EARS!!!

Write a couple paragraphs about your experience, and if you can relate to an elderly person. What were the difficulties? What were the negatives? What were the positives?

I expect paragraphs to be 5-6 sentences in length. I expect sentences to be informational and deal with the subject matter. Think before you write.

Last Completed Projects