Reflection on life experience as an aid to deeper learning.

This article examines the rationale for a four-week life experience placement for nursing students developed at the school of community and health sciences at London's City University. The authors describe how students' perceptions of old age have been challenged by listening to someone's life history and observing older people in groups and in the community. Student Daniel Fitzpatrick reflects on his experience of undertaking the placement in relation to his own feelings and expectations of old age.