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Just read about this technology that aids in empathy and wondered if anyone by chance had experience with it?

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What interesting technology. Being that I am now in my early 70's, I am experiencing my own age decline.... like squatting down on the floor then trying to get back up, ah Houston we have a problem !! Seriously, I never had this problem until last year.

Too bad not everyone could experience this r70i to get a better understanding or to see a webinar. I knew nothing about what my parents were experiencing when it came to physical activities. I had nothing to relate too.

I know I have read on the forum where some Grandchildren who are caring for a Grandparent are complaining that the Grandparent is lazy. Huge difference between being lazy and not being physically able to do things. This knowledge would be a great help for such caregivers !!
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It's my belief that if you don't already have awareness and empathy putting on a suit isn't going to give it to you. I walk through the world constantly seeing barriers that must frustrate people with physical limitations, and I strive to learn about the experiences of others who are different from me. I am no longer amazed that so many who work with the elderly are so "blind", but I do sometimes wonder what exactly drew them into caring professions.
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Thanks Jeanne, haven’t seen it near me, just recently read about it and then saw the New York Times article about it. You bring up a good point about it helping to write realistic healthcare directives, hadn’t thought of that. I’ve done the experience in college with time with no vision and time using a wheelchair, certainly enlightening, but a moment in time compared to those dealing with these situations 24/7
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What an interesting concept. It is apparently for caregivers to temporarily experience the process of aging. No doubt it would generate a lot more empathy and perhaps help the caregivers performance.

It would also provide a peek at what our own futures might hold, and therefore help us with realistic healthcare directives.

It is a Big Deal technology investment. Is there a clinic or center near you where you could use this? Does insurance pay? It appears like it would be costly.

The Assisted Living Facility where my daughter works is an exercise aid uses a poor-man's version of this for training purposes. Everyone on staff had to go through this -- cooks, cleaners, aides -- everyone in both the regular ALF and in the memory care section. When is was your turn you wore glasses that blurred your vision, and a headset that distorted what you heard. You were given a set of 5 simple tasks, such as get a towel from a shelf and bring it to the bed. My daughter was totally amazed at the experience. She is an empathetic and helpful person to start with, but, oh my!, she had a new perspective on working with her clients. She was filled with anxiety. She couldn't remember all five simple tasks. She was worried about what would happen if she couldn't "pass the test." It was a miserable and eye-opening experience.

Thanks for bringing this up. I've never heard of this technology and found it interesting.
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