Meyer-Hentschel Institute is a company in developing simulation tools for self-experiencing various medical states of the human body.
Inspired by simulation in aviation training, medical simulation has grown in popularity in the last years – from patients played by actors, to computerized mannequins that perform dozens of human functions.
We added a new facet to the simulation game. As behavioral scientists, we have great interest in the thoughts and feelings of others. This led us to the development of simulation tools, that let you walk in another’s shoes.
In the early nineties, we started developing an age suit as an attempt for a better understanding the growing numbers of old patients. In 1994, we presented a first prototype which went viral. To our best knowledge, this was the first suit that let probands experience many deficiencies and limitations of old age. Extremely positive feedback from media worldwide encouraged us to continue our work.
AgeMan® age suit (model 2021)
Person is dressed in age suit AgeMan. A visor restricts her field of vision, two optical foils reduce visual acuity and change colour perception. A two-piece suit, containing weights on arms and legs, gives the wearer an impression of the diminishing strength in old age. Gloves simulate decreasing flexion of the hand and fingers (palmar flexion) as well as decreasing dexterity and sensitivity of the fingers.
Among the first clients were medical universities and clinics, later senior care as well as industrial companies. In the health care sector, our AgeExplorer® and AgeMan® suits are used in training empathy of doctors and nurses towards older patients.
With regards to the wider industry simulation of old age can bring creative break throughs in developing and designing products, which better serves the needs of elderly customers. We did a lot of consulting for manufacturers of household appliances, for instance Miele, Siemens and Bosch. Much interest came from the automotive industry, too.
Over the years, we refined and supplemented the aging experience in many ways. For educational purposes, we offer goggles that simulate common eye diseases such as cataract, glaucoma or hemianopsia.
In addition to this, we also have our impressive tremor simulator and simulators for kyphosis and hemiparesis.
Driving Skills for Life
For FORD we developed four simulation suits, all to be used worldwide in Ford‘s Driving Skills for Life initiative: making driving more safe for young drivers.
Meyer-Hentschel Medical Simulation