Appendix C

  Declining Senses Simulations

www.aging,unc.edu/ioalearning/learningActivityExperienceSenses.asp

In this learning activity, you are asked to "walk a mile" in the shoes of an older person as you try to complete

a series of activities.  For some of the activities, go through the experiences, consider the impact each physical

change has on you physically and be affected if the change was permanent. To simulate partially impaired

vision, fold cellophane or plastic wrap (yellow is recommended) several times.

1. Sight       

                                                                                                                                

Now try to look through the folded material at several items.  Try:

·        reading from a book

 

·        looking at a computer or TV screen

 

·        reading instructions from a medication container

 

·        threading a needle

To simulate fully impaired vision, use night shades or opaque black paper to cover the eyes

completely. Now try moving around the room or eating a meal.

2. Hearing

Industrial earplugs are most effective for simulating volume loss in hearing.  Alternatives include

cotton balls, swimmers earplugs, earmuffs, or stereo headphones.  Select one of these options

and then try:

• listening to the radio or television

• having a conversation

3. Taste

Foods that are bland or saltless can simulate a loss of taste sensitivity.  Try sampling the foods:

• unsalted crackers vs. regular crackers

• colored water vs. fruit juice

4. Smell

To simulate loss of the ability to smell, use noseplugs, place cotton in the nose, or simply hold

your nostrils closed. Find a partner and have them blindfold you, then have them present

you with various foods, odors, etc. Can you identify the smells and/or detect differences?

 

5. Touch

To simulate the loss of tactile sensitivity, wear latex/surgical gloves or wrap tape around the

 tips of fingers.  Now try:

•  finding a number in a phone book

• touching a heating pad to see if it is warm

• threading a needle.

Describe the feelings you experienced while completing each activity.

 

If you could no longer see or hear well, how would you feel about going  into new situations,

new places, or meeting new people?

 

Describe the impact this might have on your social relationships.

 

Come up with a list of potentially dangerous situations you might experience because of sensory 

decline  (e.g., inability to smell food burning).

 

How would permanent sensory decline affect your day-to-day life?

 

 Based on your experience, what implications are there for working with older people who have

experienced similar changes?  How could you improve your interactions with them?  What

suggestions could you give them for making their life easier?

 

 What are the functional implications for older persons who wish to return to work?

 

End of Exercises.

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End of Appendix C

 

 

 

 

 

 

Questions to Consid

 

into new situations,

new places, or meeting new people?

 

 

 

        

 

 

      

     

 

6.