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MIT Creates Suit That Makes You Feel Old

AGNES intended to help design senior-friendly places, products

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 4, 2012 3:36 PM CST

(Newser) – Ever wondered just how much it sucks to be your grandmother? Well thanks to the folks at the MIT AgeLab, you don’t have to wonder anymore. They’ve created a suit called AGNES—short for “Age Gain Now Empathy System”—that simulates the trials and tribulations that come with your average 70-year-old body, Mashable reports. The suit uses various braces, bands, and other tricks to limit wearers' mobility, and give them a glimpse of senior citizen discomfort.

A band from the helmet, for example, helps simulate the curved, compressed spine that comes with aging, while braces limit knee and elbow mobility, and earplugs and yellow glasses dull the senses, according to the project’s official page. The goal? To give product designers, engineers, architects and more insight into how the elderly will experience their work.

AGNES is seen at work in this YouTube screenshot.
AGNES is seen at work in this YouTube screenshot.   (YouTube)
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The MIT Age Lab's video explaining AGNES.   (YouTube)

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 14 comments
pacnwjeff
Jan 5, 2012 12:23 AM CST
Maybe I am missing something here. Why don't we talk/interview the elderly and get their input on the subject? Do we assume their minds are gone too? There is alot of them around, most would enjoy helping to make things better and most that I'm aware of are never lacking an opinion, just an opportunity to air it.
Deleted
Jan 4, 2012 8:58 PM CST
Unless you are cursed with bad genetics or bad luck, there is no reason to feel like that at 70.  With proper diet and exercise, a 70 year old of today can be in better shape than a 50 year old of 50 years ago.  More people get old because they stop doing things than stop doing things because they got old.
vjh
Jan 4, 2012 8:56 PM CST
They don't need a suit to make someone feel old.. Hanging out with my daughter and her friends and seeing their blank, stupid faces when I talk about Led Zeppelin makes me feel ancient!
 

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