America is getting older. U.S. Census data projects that the last of the Baby Boomers will turn 65 in 2029, making up 16% of the total population. And now a suit — called AGNES (Age Gain Now Empathy System) — created by researchers at MIT’s AgeLab, can simulate old age.
The suit can be worn by students, product developers and engineers for the sake of better design. Heavy helmets, neck braces and yellow-tinged glasses create the feeling of achey joints, limited mobility and blurred vision.
“Put on this suit and you feel increased fatigue, reduced flexibility in joints and muscles, spinal compression and difficulty with vision and balance,” according to MIT AgeLab’s Meet AGNES YouTube video.
Check out the video above to see suited young individuals having difficulty reaching a low supermarket shelf, reading medicine labels and getting off public buses.
More About: baby boomers, mashable video, mit
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