"Stiff Legs" Aging Simulation

OVERVIEW:

The student will develop an appreciation of the effects age-related changes have on daily living activities by participating in activities which simulate the loss of agility and flexibility.

Appropriate for Grade Level: K-3 (May be adapted for older students.)

 

MATERIALS:

Adult volunteers to man the center and explain the activity to the students

Several Elastic (Ace) Bandages
Access to a stairway with a handrail

"Sitff Legs " Activity Center Sheet .PDF (download and print)

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ACTIVITIES INTRODUCTION :

Explain to the students that many older adults experience difficulty with mobility and flexibility. Tell them that they can understand what it is like to have trouble moving and bending with the help of the elastic bandages that you will be wrapping their knee joints with.

Wrap an elastic bandage around each of the child's knees to simulate the the feeling of reduced mobility and flexibility.

Each student will then participate in the following activities:

ACTIVITY 1:

  • Students will climb up and down the stairway with bandaged knee joints. BE SURE TO GIVE SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS TO HOLD ONTO THE HANDRAIL FOR SUPPORT AND ASSIGN AN ADULT TO SUPERVISE THE ACTIVITY.

ACTIVITY 2:

  • Students will attempt to bend over and touch their toes with bandaged knee joints.

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