When doctors are trained in rheumatology, many programs offer an empathy training session which often includes a sharing session with someone who has rheumatoid arthritis.
Perhaps a stint in the Third Age Suit may encourage empathy. On King 5's Evening Magazine, Jim Dever adds a touch of humour as he bravely goes where no man wants to go, even when he gets there.
On Seeing Aging Through Youthful Eyes, the viewers spend a "television day" with Jim and the engineers at Boeing, while they partake in some simulations to help them understand what it feels like to have parts that no longer work well - as occurs in aging, as well as in rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is not necessarily an old person's illness; it can strike at any age. Many people hear "arthritis" and automatically assume that it's the wear and tear type which tends to afflict those with more years in their life.
How does it feel? Somewhat like this, copied from an earlier post I did entitled "Forecasting...":
- Tightly wind some elastics around your fingers. Then, put some heavy winter mitts on your hands. Now, open a carton of milk, a jar or unlock the door.
- Put some marbles in your shoes. Put your shoes on. Go for a walk.
- Bend your knees. Apply duct tape vertically along the front and back of your knees. Now straighten them.
In the video, Jim expresses how difficult and fatiguing it is to move in that simulator Third Age Suit; one that I'm sure he is happy to climb out of at the end of this segment.
A big round of applause to King 5, Jim Dever, Boeing and all the "collaborators" who make the world friendlier for every body.
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Walk a mile in my marbled shoes…ouch. Marianna, how do you do it? I admire that you go for daily dog-walking jaunts despite these drawbacks. You are much admired.
Kathrin,
Thank you.
Fortunately, it’s not continuous. A saving grace is what I described in the post entitled “Surface Matters”. Mother Nature’s flooring is certainly preferable; which is why I favour dog parks, as opposed to sidewalks.