Stepping into 80-Year-Old Shoes

June 2, 2026

Our Grade 8 and 9 students had an incredible opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and step into someone else’s shoes. Literally! 🧓👓❤️

Through a specialized workshop hosted by Eldpathy, students took turns wearing full simulation suits designed to mimic the physical body of an 80-year-old. Navigating the room with a simulated hunched back and vision-blurring goggles, they experienced firsthand the daily struggles our seniors face. To bring the lesson home, classmates paired up to roleplay as caring grandchildren—learning exactly how to guide, support, and look out for their “elderly” peers. Imagine experiencing the world with an 80-year-old body, or learning to care for one, when you’re only 14!
Beyond these physical challenges, the room grew quiet and deeply moving as students listened to the real-life stories and health struggles shared by two elderly guests. We believe, to solve real-world problems, our future innovators must first develop deep empathy to notice these social gaps. By looking at life through the eyes of both a senior and a caregiver, this workshop became a profound exercise in building a foundational layer of empathy—not just for the elderly, but for everyone in our society.