BLACKBURN Rovers hat-trick hero Danny Graham was put through his paces in learning about how it feels to get older yesterday.

As part of Age UK Blackburn with Darwen’s links with Rovers, the evergreen 33-year-old tried on an age simulation suit to try to raise awareness about difficulties older people face on a daily basis.

Vicky Shepherd and Elaine Jennings of Age UK, helped him with the equipment which included specialist goggles to affect his sight and restraints on his wrists and legs and it was an experience the ex-Sunderland and Swansea man was delighted to try out.

He said: “It felt really strange and restricted my movements and the way I was walking.

“The whole thing just makes you think about older people especially at this time of year and how they must find it hard looking after themselves.

“With the cold weather coming we should be looking after our elders I know my nanna is 83 and every time I get a chance to go up and see her and help her out.”

Graham tried to sprint and found it a difficult experience.

He said: “It was hard to see with the goggles on and should make us think about not putting weight on and the affects on you in later life.

“Hopefully we can make people more aware about it.”

Elaine Jennings of Age UK Blackburn with Darwen said: “As a local independent charity we are delighted to be one of Blackburn Rover’s nominated charities for the 2018 season and to have Danny Graham as our nominated player.

“We wanted to show Danny in the age simulation suit and to record his reaction to show how much reduced mobility from health problems impacts on older people, all year round but most specifically during winter and to raise awareness of our local services for those aged 50 + which people can turn to for support

“For someone who is fit and active like Danny it was clearly a unique experience to discover how it might feel to be older and the importance of keeping yourself mobile and active whatever your age to maintain mobility and reduce the likelihood of falls.

“Danny’s grandma is 83 and wearing the suit today made him think about her and the important role we all have of looking out for older people in our communities.”