Twelve Going on 70: SCAN Health Plan Arizona Helps 7th and 8th Graders Understand Aging With Senior Sensitivit...( SCOTTSDALE Ariz. Sept. 23...),Health

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Seventh and eighth graders at the Arcadia Neighborhood Learning Center (ANLC) in Scottsdale today experienced firsthand some of the challenges that come with aging. Through "Trading Ages," an innovative senior sensitivity program sponsored by the not-for-profit SCAN Health Plan Arizona, the students participated in a series of hands-on exercises intended to demonstrate the physical challenges facing seniors.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090923/LA81071)

SCAN's unique senior sensitivity program is designed to educate a younger generation of Americans about the diverse needs of older adults and to nurture an understanding, appreciation and compassion for the seniors in their lives. The program at ANLC represents the first time SCAN Health Plan Arizona has offered this program within a school. "We hope to expand this educational program to reach school-children throughout Maricopa County," said Tom Lescault, president of SCAN Health Plan Arizona.

SCAN facilitators Susan Cypert and Karen Richards led the children in a host of creative exercises to mimic the challenges facing seniors. Foot ailments were simulated with popcorn placed in their shoes, hearing loss through distorted recordings, vision changes through special glasses fitted with blurred lenses, and loss of dexterity with special gloves that limit mobility in their hands and fingers.

"Trading Ages(TM) ties in perfectly with the students' social studies curriculum as well as our philosophy at ANLC," said Taylor Jones, assistant principal. "We are grateful to SCAN for bringing this worthwhile program to our students. It's important that people of all ages begin to better understand the aging process and recognize that growing older is j
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