Age Simulation Suits
What are Age Simulation Suits (OSP)?
Age Simulation Suits (OSS) are innovative devices that allow the physical and sensory limitations of older people to be simulated. By using multiple low fidelity technologies, these suits simulate conditions such as arthritis, hearing loss and visual impairment. The OSPs provide users with a realistic experience of the challenges that older people face on a daily basis. This helps to develop greater understanding and empathy. Wearing an OSP is a powerful tool to raise awareness among younger generations.
How it works:
Putting on armor
The base of the suit is built by a modified harness. This harness will serve as an attachment point to which we can apply numerous symptoms.
Add symptoms
Once you have put on the harness, we add a combination of symptoms. We do this by using self-made accessories, for example cables that reduce the range of motion of the shoulders.
Wear everywhere
After all the symptoms have been added to the harness, put on a jumpsuit that hides the harness and all accessories.
Experiencing old age
And once the overalls are on, you are officially in character and ready to experience old age. Overalls are color-coded and correlate with a different combination of symptoms which then creates a different persona.
The possible personas:
Person 1
Conditions:
- Kyphosis (abnormal curvature of the upper back)
- Elbow arthritis
- Macular degeneration (eye disease)
- Reduced
- strength and mobility of the neck
- strength and mobility of the shoulder
- strength and mobility of the hip and knee
- tactile sensation
Persona 3
Conditions:
- Glaucoma (eye disease)
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Gait disorder
- Reduced
- strength and mobility of the neck
- strength and mobility of the shoulder
- strength and mobility of the hip and knee
- tactile sensation
Persona 5
Conditions:
- knee osteoarthritis
- Diabetic retinopathy (eye disease)
- Nasal congestion
- Reduced
- strength and mobility of the neck
- strength and mobility of the shoulder
- strength and mobility of the hip and knee
- tactile sensation
Persona 2
Conditions:
- Kyphosis (abnormal curvature of the upper back)
- Hearing loss
- Gait disorder
- Reduced
- strength and mobility of the neck
- strength and mobility of the shoulder
- strength and mobility of the hip and knee
- tactile sensation
Persona 4
Conditions:
- Sarcopenia (muscle weakness due to aging)
- decreased tactile sensation
- homonymous hemianopia (eye disease)
- Reduced
- strength and mobility of the neck
- strength and mobility of the shoulder
- strength and mobility of the hip and knee
- tactile sensation
From drawing board to realization
Creating the Ageing Simulation Suit was both innovative and thoughtful. The design and development process began with extensive brainstorming sessions, where ideas were generated and refined in collaboration with students and teachers. Through trial and error, we tested and modified several concepts, with each iteration providing valuable insights. The result of this intensive collaboration and continuous improvement is a versatile collection of simulation suits, each offering a unique experience.
Our mission
At OuderdomsSimulatiePak.nl our mission is clear: to promote elderly empathy in society. By using OSPs we want to prepare young professionals and students to work with older generations. We do this by offering them a direct experience of the challenges that elderly people face. Our programs contribute to breaking down prejudices and strengthening respect for the elderly. In this way we build an inclusive and empathetic future together.
Impact on society
With our Ageing Simulation Suits we want to contribute to a more empathetic society. By making younger generations aware of the challenges of growing older, we promote respect and mutual understanding. These insights not only help in personal interactions, but also have a broader impact on policymaking and care practices. Our OSP programs play a crucial role in preparing a society that is ready for demographic changes. Together we can make a difference for a cross-generational connection.
Application of OSPs in education and training
OSPs are successfully applied in educational programs and professional trainings. Schools, healthcare institutions and companies use our simulations to promote awareness and understanding. In trainings, participants not only learn about the physical limitations of older people, but also about the emotional impact of these limitations. These experiences are supported by reflection activities and feedback, making the learning experience profound and sustainable. The result is a positive change in attitude and behavior towards older people.
The importance of simulation in understanding aging
Simulation is an effective method to gain insight into the impact of old age on daily life. It allows participants to experience the physical and emotional challenges of older people. This process leads to a better understanding of the complexity of ageing, both medically and socially. The use of simulations helps not only professionals but also students to increase their empathy and involvement. This achieves an important social goal: strengthening solidarity between generations.
