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 we age, our bodies undergo natural changes, including a gradual slowing of heart rate and thickening of blood vessels. These changes can lead to increased fatigue and higher blood pressure.
While aging alone does not cause major heart problems, the risk increases when combined with poor lifestyle factors.(1) Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally, with more than four out of five CVD-related deaths resulting from heart attacks.(2) A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is reduced or blocked, depriving the heart muscles of oxygen, thus resulting in tissue death.(3)
This simulation is designed to replicate the symptoms associated with restricted blood flow during a heart attack, including chest tightness, pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
Simulation Video
Duration of simulation - 4 minutes 10 seconds.
Full Simulation Guide
Materials
- Clear and Open Space: Needs to be large enough to do jumping jacks and spin
- Chest Restraint: Can use tensor bandages, scarfs, belt or towel
- Ice Pack
- Heat Pack
- Small Weighted Item: bag of rice, coffee beans, or coins
- Arm Restraint: Can use elastic band, belt or scarf
- Breathing Restriction: Can use mask or nose plugs
- Sunglasses
Procedure
- Do jumping jacks for 15 seconds. Notice how easy or difficult it is for you.
- To stimulate chest tightness, pain and cold sweats: take your chest restraint and add a heat pack to the back and an ice pack to the front. Tie it around the bottom portion of your sternum (“the flat bone that lies in the midline of the chest).
- To stimulate arm pain, take an elastic band and tie it around your upper arm.
- To simulate increased effort and fatigue with activity, place a bag of rice in your pockets.
- To simulate dizziness, spin clockwise around in a circle 4-5 times. Can spin standing up or while seated in a chair.
- To simulate shortness of breath, wear a face mask, nose plugs or breathe through a straw.
- To simulate disorientation and weakness, wear sunglasses or use a room with dim lighting.
Reflection Questions
- How did experiencing the simulated heart attack symptoms affect your emotions, sense of vulnerability, and overall understanding of what a real cardiac event might feel like?
- How might atypical or silent heart attack symptoms affect an older adult’s ability to recognize, respond to, and cope with a medical emergency?
- Before this simulation, what were your thoughts on aging and heart health? Has this experience shifted your perspective on how older adults navigate cardiovascular challenges?
