Learning through the simulation of age‐related symptoms
Enhancing nursing students’ understanding of challenges in older adults
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21537536 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Marija Milavec Kapun (0000-0001-5231-3795, University of Ljubljana, corresponding author), Matej Korošec (0009-0007-2887-9589, University of Ljubljana), Rok Drnovšek (0000-0002-7121-0203, University of Ljubljana) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-10 |
| Publication date | 2026-05-19 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Educational Gerontology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0360-1277 • E-ISSN: 1521-0472 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/03601277.2026.2674880 |
| OpenAlex | W7161739325 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 32 |
The global acceleration of population aging highlights the need for nursing education that effectively prepares students to address the complex care needs of older adults. This study examined whether a gerontological simulation enhances nursing students’ knowledge of common age-related symptoms and influences their perceptions of sensory and functional impairments in older adults. A quasi-experimental design was used with 86 third-year nursing students in the academic year 2022/23 from one institution in Slovenia. The intervention used the GERT simulation kit, which enables experiential engagement with age-related sensory and functional limitations. A study-specific questionnaire assessed knowledge of symptoms and functional impairments, as well as perceptions of aging. Before and after intervention data were analyzed using content analysis and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Participation in the simulation significantly improved students’ recognition of age-related symptoms and functional limitations. Correct response rates increased across all assessed conditions, with post-intervention accuracy exceeding 90% for hand tremor, tinnitus, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment. Students also showed improved identification of functional impairments and produced a wider range of descriptors reflecting the everyday challenges faced by older adults. Gerontological simulation enhanced students’ understanding of sensory and functional changes associated with aging and provided insight into the lived experience of older adults. This experiential learning approach supports the development of more compassionate, person-centered care and strengthens students’ preparedness for clinical practice in gerontological settings. Incorporating such simulation into nursing curricula may improve educational outcomes and foster more responsive, compassionate care for an aging population
Adult Learning · MEDLINE · Nurse education · Qualitative research · Nursing education and management · Simulation-Based Education in Healthcare · Technology Use by Older Adults
Content Analysis
Understanding the care and support needs of older people
Consequences of chronic diseases and other limitations associated with old age – a scoping review
Effective Interventions on Improving Elderly's Independence in Activity of Daily Living
Effects of an age suit simulation on nursing students’ perspectives on providing care to older persons - an education intervention study
Do aging suits adequately simulate objective age-related decline in gait? A kinematic comparison of induced aging in young and middle-aged adults
The effect of aged simulation suit on nursing students’ empathy, attitudes, and willingness to care for older adults
Self-Directed Learning
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |