In my Aging Processes class, I underwent several “aging simulation” exercises intended to experience first-hand the effects of age-related sensory losses (vision, hearing, taste + smell, touch) on activities of daily living (ADL).
As a result, I learned to value my strengths in remaining senses (e.g., touch and smell to compensate for vision and hearing losses), go slow and pay more attention to navigating my environment, give up some independence and allow others to help me get around safely, appreciate Impressionism and the sound of silence, get motivated to learn Braille, be patient and adapt to taking a longer time to perform activities. (See fact sheet on Physical Changes of Aging, with suggestions on managing these changes, at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/he019.)
These exercises also further reinforced my advocacy efforts for universal design to make our environments accessible to people of all abilities. As we go through life, it seems a majority of us will experience sensory impairments, either temporarily or permanently, so we’re all in this together to improve the quality of life for everyone.
On April 16, 2012, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services created a new organization, Administration for Community Living (ACL), which consolidates three agencies for aging and disability services: Administration on Aging (AoA), the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the Office on Disability. The intent is to improve community supports for older Americans and people with disabilities to enjoy “the fullest inclusion in the life of our nation.” (http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2012pres/04/20120416a.html)
Golden Gate Park's Project Insight Garden is open to people of all abilities!(http://sfrecpark.org/Rec-ProjectInsightProgram.aspx)
