Temporary setback:
The elderly simulation suit weighs14 pounds and its straps bestow a “humpback” effect, forcing the wearer to stoop.
Temporary setback:
The elderly simulation suit weighs14 pounds and its straps bestow a “humpback” effect, forcing the wearer to stoop.
Realistic experience:
The Eldpathy programme organiser incorporates seniors’ daily challenges into the old-age simulation exercise.
Realistic experience:
The Eldpathy programme organiser incorporates seniors’ daily challenges into the old-age simulation exercise.
Uneasy tasks:
Reading newspapers and writing pose difficulties for the “elderly” participants.
Uneasy tasks:
Reading newspapers and writing pose difficulties for the “elderly” participants.
Blurred vision:
Special goggles simulate the effects of macular degeneration which makes it difficult for wearers to see clearly.
Blurred vision:
Special goggles simulate the effects of macular degeneration which makes it difficult for wearers to see clearly.
Not-so-easy pieces:
Participants wearing the special suits are required to pick up mahjong tiles from the floor.
Not-so-easy pieces:
Participants wearing the special suits are required to pick up mahjong tiles from the floor.
Inter-generational harmony:
Eldpathy’s co-founder Herman Chan said some seniors are in training to become helpers or instructors to run the programme, since they are its focus.
Inter-generational harmony:
Eldpathy’s co-founder Herman Chan said some seniors are in training to become helpers or instructors to run the programme, since they are its focus.
Youths suit up to experience old age
July 20, 2014
Award-winning social enterprise Eldpathy enables young people to don special suits to instantly appreciate how it feels to be old – so they can develop empathy for elders.
The elderly simulation suit weighs 14 pounds, with strategically placed lead bars in pockets, and a strap with buckles at the shoulders and knees. When fastened, the straps bestow a “humpback” effect, forcing the wearer to stoop. Participants are also given walking sticks, to complete the simulation.
“My waist hurts. I can’t look up, and it feels very uncomfortable,” said Yvonne Ng, a year-two university student participating in the elderly simulation programme. When she walked with her “humpback”, she could not take big strides as the weights restricted her legs. Her head bobbed out in front as she walked stooped over.
“Now I can understand the difficulties in seniors’ daily life. For example, if I need to take something from a high shelf at home or at the supermarket, I must find someone to help,” Ms Ng said.
After the experience, the social science student said she would focus on seniors’ social problems – and would give up her seat on public transport if there was an older person in need.
Herman Chan is Eldpathy’s co-founder and Executive Director. He described how they incorporated senior’s daily challenges into the old-age simulation programme.
Blurry goggles simulate the effects of macular degeneration which makes it difficult to see clearly, earplugs simulate impaired hearing, and inflexible gloves simulate arthritic fingers. Participants wear these devices to watch television, and compete in a question and answer game afterwards.
So Cheuk-him, aged 20, said he now understands why some seniors always want to sleep.
“Everything appears yellow in colour, and my vision is blurred wearing these goggles. I can't see clearly and it's difficult to focus. I feel tired and want to close my eyes,” he said.
Afterwards, he said seniors have contributed a lot to society, making it better for the next generation. That is why the community should take care of their needs with a positive attitude.
Award-winning action
Mr Chan was brought up by his two grandmothers, so he respects them highly and treasures their wisdom. He encourages younger people to likewise treasure the time spent with seniors in their families, and to serve them well when they have the opportunity.
In 2012, he and two fellow university students were keen to do something to improve the lives of the elderly. They took part in an old-age simulation programme in Taiwan and were determined to introduce it to Hong Kong.
They submitted an action plan to compete in the Hong Kong Social Enterprise Challenge and won the championship. They used the award money to buy 10 stimulation suits from Taiwan and set up Eldpathy.
Mr Chan said they are training some seniors to be helpers or instructors to run the programme since they are its focus. This adds value to the activities as the seniors can share their views and personal experiences with the young participants, promoting inter-generational harmony.
Eldpathy taps into the Government’s strategic policy objective to safeguard seniors’ wellbeing. With a rapidly ageing population, it is estimated that in 2030, one in four Hong Kong people will be aged 65 or above. The Government promotes ageing in place, to improve seniors’ quality of life and provide them with a sense of security and belonging.
