What Does Aging Really Feel Like?
This conversational B2 lesson dives into the topic of aging and how people experience it. Students explore stereotypes, associations, and both the physical and mental challenges older adults may face. The lesson is based on a short YouTube video in which a reporter wears an age-simulation suit to understand what it feels like to be 80 years old. Learners practice key vocabulary, share personal opinions, and use structured tasks to express deeper attitudes about growing older. The class finishes with reflection activities that highlight the positive sides of aging.
Student's Version (Light/Dark)
Teacher's Version (Answer Keys)
Printable Classroom Version (A4)
| Level | Vocabulary | Video Length | Lesson Time |
| B2 / Upper-Intermediate | 10 words | 1:27 min | 60 min |
Vocabulary
- Replicate
- Muscle loss
- Impaired vision
- Off balance
- Cognitive load
- Stave off
- Retain skills
- Take proactive steps
Contents
- Lead-in
- Vocabulary
- Definitions
- Preview discussion
- Video
- Comprehension
- Discussion
- Practice
- Opinion ladder
- Wrap up
Teaching Guide
Lead-in
This B2 conversational English lesson on aging begins with a lead-in activity where students look at a list of words and choose a few that describe what they think of when they imagine aging. On the next slide, they identify three stereotypes society has about older people, two things society often underestimates about them, and one aspect of aging they find inspiring or empowering.
Vocabulary, Definitions, Preview discussion
The vocabulary section includes ten key words. Students first read sentences and try to explain the bold words in context. If they’re unsure, they can check the definitions on the next slide. This vocabulary prepares them for the video about a woman who wears an age-simulation suit to experience what it feels like to be 80 years old. Before watching, students can predict what the video will show, how the suit might work, what it might look like, and which everyday activities could suddenly become difficult for someone wearing it.
Video, Comprehension, Discussion
Next, students watch the video, which is about one and a half minutes long. They focus on the main idea and then answer the question: What challenges did the reporter face? After that, there is another comprehension activity with speaking prompts. Students retell the story in their own words using information from the video, and they can watch it again if needed. The following slide includes several discussion questions related to the physical and mental challenges of aging, training the skills people want to retain, proactive steps to stave off muscle loss, and the new freedoms or positive changes that can come with getting older.
Practice, Opinion Ladder
Next, there is a practice section where students work with the vocabulary from the lesson. They will see two random words along with one target vocabulary word and use all three to make a sentence. On the following slide, there’s another practice task with sentences that each contain two mistakes. Students read them carefully, find the errors, and rewrite the sentences correctly. There is also a speaking activity called Opinion Ladder. In this task, students first give their immediate opinion in a couple of sentences. Then they explain a deeper reason, possibly adding an example or a personal connection. Finally, they include a counterargument, presenting a point someone who disagrees might make. This structure helps students practice expressing their ideas clearly and logically.
Wrap up
Finally, there is a wrap-up activity with several quotes on the slide. Students choose the quote that best reflects their view on aging and explain what it means to them. This can be done during class or assigned as a short reflection for homework.
