Improving Understanding of Aging Through Simulations
Author Information
Author(s): Kleszynski Keith, Jennings Lee, James Shirley
Primary Institution: University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Hypothesis
Does the delivery modality of aging sensitivity training affect student empathy and understanding of age-related health changes?
Conclusion
Aging empathy simulations improve student understanding of age-related health changes and can be effectively delivered in-person or online.
Supporting Evidence
- 79% of students felt the simulations helped them understand aging with health changes.
- 80% of students recognized potential stereotypes and biases associated with aging.
- 82% of students found the simulations provided useful insight into the aging experience.
- 83% of students believed the experience would help them become better health care providers.
- 94% of students felt their knowledge of age-related challenges had improved.
Takeaway
Students learned how it feels to get older and deal with health issues through fun activities, whether they were in a classroom or online.
Methodology
The training was delivered in-person to 38 speech pathology students and virtually to 136 social work students, with evaluations analyzed between groups.
Participant Demographics
38 speech pathology students and 136 social work students.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website