This study aims to evaluate the effects of age simulation suits and interactions with older adults on physiotherapy students’ knowledge, attitude and empathy towards older adults.
This study recruited 46 first-year physiotherapy students (mean age=22.2 years) participating in two three-hour laboratory sessions spaced two weeks apart in one of the courses of BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy Programme: Movement Study and Exercise Science. The first session included experiential learning where students performed various functional activities after wearing the age simulation suit. For the second session, students interviewed and performed clinical assessments on older people integrating the elements learned from the first session. Students completed three assessments i) Facts on Aging Quiz; ii) Kogan’s Attitude Toward Older People (KAOP); and iii) Kiersma Chen Empathy Scale (KCES) both before the first session and after the second session.
Findings revealed that physiotherapy students scored higher on the Facts on Aging Quiz after the laboratory sessions (p=0.025). Items were mainly related to older adults’ cognitive ability such as “As people grow older, their intelligence declines significantly” (p0.001) and “It is very difficult for older adults to learn new things” (p=0.001).
Physiotherapy students showed a positive attitude towards older people revealing a KAOP baseline mean score of 124.4±10.6 surpassing the 120-point threshold of neutrality. The KAOP score after the second session increased significantly to 132.6±12.7 (p0.001). Data analysis further revealed that physiotherapy students typically illustrated the most significant shift of positive attitude changes on ‘negative’ statements (p0.001) such as ‘Most old people i) get set in their ways and are unable to change; ii) bore others by their insistence on talking “about the good old days”; iii) are irritable, grouchy, and unpleasant; and iv) are constantly complaining about the behaviour of the younger generation. Lastly, there were no significant changes in KCES scores.
It is both reassuring and encouraging that physiotherapy students hold positive attitudes towards older people. A two-part laboratory session with a focus on geriatrics promoted a shift to a more positive attitude and a better understanding of the challenges of older adults.
The findings of this study demonstrate the usefulness of integrating age simulation components into physiotherapy education. Gaining this experience may be recommended to correct the negative attitudes and behavior towards older adults. This ultimately cultivates physiotherapists with improved attitudes towards older adults leading to long-term benefits of professional practice.
Older Adults
Age Simulation
