<Original>Effect on understanding of nursing student about the elderly through a simulation experience using braces : Analysis of free description after their experience

This study was conducted to clarify the contents of learning by nursing school students through simulation experience using braces that simulate the motor abilities of the elderly and their impressions about the experience, which can not be obtained by a questionnaire. Free essays written by the students after the simulation experience were analyzed by the KJ method. The students realized through the simulation experience "changes in the position of the body's center of gravity and difficulty in balancing", "bent knees and hips and inflexible ankles", and "difficulty to see the steps when descending the stairs" as reasons for the decline in the motor abilities in the elderly. They also noted psychological effects of reduced motor abilities and fatigue from exertion to move despite difficulties. It appears that sufficient explanation about the devices and confirmation of their proper application are needed to make the simulation experience more effective. Furthermore, simulation experience may serve as an educational opportunity to motivate people to become healthy elderly people