Age suit simulation replicates in healthy young adults the functional challenges to balance experienced by older adults: an observational study

Background: Age simulation can have a positive effect on empathic understanding and perception of ageing. However, there is limited evidence for its ability to replicate objectively the physical and functional challenges of ageing.

Objective: To observe whether age suit simulation can replicate in healthy young adults the physical and physiological balance disturbance and falls risk experienced by older adults.

Methodology: Healthy young adults aged 20-40 years (16 male) were recruited to the study using convenience sampling from a student population. Participants performed three validated balance tests-Functional Reach Test (FRT), Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS)-first without the age suit and then with the age suit, using a standardised protocol, following the same sequence.

Results: 30 participants completed all tests. Statistically significant differences between without-age-suit and with-age-suit performance were recorded for FRT distance (p<0.000005), time taken to complete the TUG (p<0.0005) and BBS score (p<0.001). A comparison of participant scores with normative FRT and TUG scores identified that the suit had 'aged' the majority of participants to the normative values for older adults (60+), with some reaching the values for individuals aged 70-89. However, no scores achieved the values indicative of increased falls risk.

Conclusions: The age suit is a valid educational tool that extends the value of age simulation beyond a more general empathising role, enabling those working with an older population to experience and understand the functional challenges to balance experienced by older adults as part of their training.