Sensitization to the Elderly: An Experience Report

Introduction: Throughout the medical course, there is a need for humanization in the treatment of all patients, including the elderly. This project, brought forth by a private company, aims to meet these expectations by sensitizing students both theoretically and practically to better engage with elderly patients. The campaign has been recognized with the Human Rights seal by the City Hall of São Paulo and by the United Nations as the largest social impact initiative in Latin America in 2018. Additionally, representatives from the Elderly Council and the Municipal Health Department will be present. Geriatric diapers will also be collected for donation to needy nursing homes in Catanduva.Objectives: The main objectives are to sensitize medical students from the University Center Padre Albino (UNIFIPA) to develop better empathy towards the elderly and to provide donations to needy nursing homes in Catanduva. Method: To achieve a comprehensive sensitization of students on this subject, the project will include both theoretical and practical aspects. In order to raise awareness of the challenges faced by the elderly, a lecture will be given by one of the responsible individuals behind this impactful social project. In the practical part, students will experience limitations of mobility through a simulator suit developed in Japan, allowing them to understand conditions such as hearing loss, cataracts, joint flexibility reduction, and spinal curvature. Finally, for every 3 attending students, one pack of geriatric diapers will be collected for donation to nursing homes in need in Catanduva. Result: The preliminary results are the sensitization of students to elderly care and providing assistance to nursing homes in the city of Catanduva.Conclusion: With the aging population, there is a noticeable shortage of structural and social support for the elderly in Brazil. Therefore, this project not only aims to collect geriatric diapers for donation and increase student engagement with public institutions but also seeks to rekindle empathy by allowing individuals to experience the aging process themselves. As a result, it aims to promote essential awareness for the students' development as future physicians and as compassionate human beings.