Cardiovascular & Respiratory Systems
Simulation No. 1 - Respiratory System - STRAW LUNG CHALLENGE
Our respiratory system undergoes several physiological changes as we age, making breathing more energy-intensive and challenging. For example, our lungs lose elasticity, airways narrow, and oxygen exchange becomes less efficient. As a result, older adults may find themselves feeling winded with even mild exertion.
These effects are further exacerbated by a common respiratory disease among older adults known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) which significantly restricts airflow and makes breathing feel laboured.
The purpose of this simulation is to mimic the increased effort required to breathe with compromised lung function for individuals who experience COPD. Your task is to try to breathe only through a straw while performing light physical activities.
Simulation Video
Duration of simulation - 3 minutes 47 seconds.
Full Simulation Guide
Materials
- A drinking straw
- Timer or stopwatch
Procedure
- Take normal breaths for 30 seconds, focus on your breathing.
- Place a straw in your mouth and ensure it is secure.
- Pinch your nose closed with one hand.
- Breathe in and out only using the straw and notice any changes in effort.
- Walk on the spot for 30 seconds while only using the straw and pay attention to how your breathing feels.
- Remove the straw and take deep breaths with your nose to relax.
Reflection Questions
- How did your breathing change when using the straw compared to normal breathing? What sensations did you experience and how did it affect your ability to complete the exercises?
- If you had to continue breathing through the straw for a prolonged period, how would this affect your physical and mental health?
- Did you experience any frustration while breathing through the straw? If so, what aspects were most challenging?
- Reflect on your views on older adults. Have any of these views changed after this simulation with COPD?
Testimonials
Simulation No. 2 - Respiratory System - HUFFING AND PUFFING
As our bodies age, our respiratory system may undergo changes that make our daily activities more challenging to do. For example, our lungs become: smaller and less elastic, muscles involved in breathing weaken and stiffen, and gas exchange efficiency is reduced. (1) As a result, breathing takes more effort and is less efficient. An especially common respiratory disease among older adults is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The purpose of this simulation is to mimic the increased effort required to exhale for individuals with COPD. Your job is to try to move a piece of paper with your breath while wearing face masks.
Simulation Video
Duration of simulation - 3 minutes.
Full Simulation Guide
Materials
- Two face masks
- A scrap piece of paper
Procedure
- Ensure the backpack weight is challenging for the volunteer so they feel resistance. 2. Adjust the straps of the backpack so that it hangs on the volunteer’s forearms. 3. Hold the tray in front and place the ball at the centre of the tray.
- Set a timer of 2-3 minutes.
- Walk straight slowly, trying to keep the ball in the centre of the tray.
- Note any tremors, balance or muscle control difficulty.
- Log the volunteer’s performance.
Reflection Questions
- What specific feelings did you have after experiencing age-related changes in respiration? What affected you the most?
- What activities in your own life would become difficult if you had COPD? How would this affect your physical and mental health?
- Reflect on your views on older adults. Have any of these views changed after your experience of COPD?
Testimonials
Simulation No. 3 - Cardiovascular System - HEART AT WORK
As our bodies age, our heart loses strength and the ability to deliver oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. This requires the heart to work harder, especially with more demanding physical tasks. Heart attacks are more common, complex, and deadly among older adults, which occur when there is reduced or no blood flow to the heart (1) Combining these factors with physical exertion, the heart will experience an overload. In this simulation, you will try to do specific exercises with weights and extra equipment around the rib cage to mimic the reduced blood flow (or efficiency of oxygenated blood) from the heart. These will produce physical feelings associated with the symptoms of a heart attack, which include chest pain, arm pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness
Simulation Video
Duration of simulation - 4 minutes 10 seconds.
Full Simulation Guide
Materials
- A safe open area to do exercise
- An armband: use what you have. Could be a scarf, headband, exercise bands, belts, etc.
- Face mask
- A heavy backpack
Procedure
Disclaimer: Please be careful when doing these activities to avoid physical injury.
- Complete the precursor simulations if you have not already done so.
- Do jumping jacks for 15 seconds, noticing how easy or difficult it is for you
- To stimulate arm pain, take your armband and tie it snugly around your arm.
- To stimulate shortness of breath, put on your face mask.
- To stimulate fatigue and shoulder pain, put on the heavy backpack.
- To stimulate dizziness, spin clockwise around in a circle 4-5 times.
- Do jumping jacks again for 15 seconds.
Reflection Questions
- What specific feelings did you have after experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack?
- Older adults may not display all or any of the typical symptoms of a heart attack; how do you think this would affect their physical and mental health?
- Reflect on your views on older adults. Have any of these beliefs changed after the simulation?
Testimonials
Simulation No. 4 - Arrythmia
As our bodies age, the heart's electrical system can become disrupted, leading to irregular heart rhythms known as arrhythmias. Instead of maintaining a steady, predictable beat, the heart may beat too quickly, too slowly, or irregularly, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively throughout the body. This can result in symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and feelings of anxiety or loss of control. Unlike purely physical conditions, arrhythmias also have neurological and emotional effects, as their unpredictable rhythm can cause cognitive stress and discomfort. In this simulation, you will perform guided movements while experiencing externally controlled, irregular cues that disrupt your sense of timing and coordination. This is designed to mimic the loss of rhythm and predictability associated with arrhythmias.
The goal of this simulation is to highlight how unsettling and mentally distracting irregular heart rhythms can be. This activity reflects instability and uncertainty that individuals with arrhythmias often experience. Although the simulation may feel chaotic or uncomfortable, it is effective and intended to build empathy for those living with these conditions.
Simulation Video
Duration of simulation - 5 minutes.
Full Simulation Guide
Materials
- A quiet, safe space free from distractions
- This video
- A laptop, or any device
- Optional: headphones for a more immersive experience
Procedure
Disclaimer: Please be mindful of your physical and mental comfort during this activity. Stop immediately if you feel dizzy, overwhelmed, or distressed.
- Sit or stand in a comfortable position in a quiet environment.
- Begin the simulation video and follow the instructions provided on the screen
- Try tapping together with heart rhythm as you read text on the screen
- Notice how the irregular rhythm affects your coordination, focus, and emotional response.
Reflection Questions
- What physical or emotional responses did you experience as the rhythm became irregular?
- How did the added cognitive task affect your ability to maintain rhythm?
- How might living with an arrhythmia impact a person's daily life and sense of control?
