Please conduct a 45 minute to 1-hour interview with an older adult (65 or older). You can choose a family member, friend, neighbor, co-worker, etc. Use the following topics as a guide for your interview.
• Information about their childhood and family.
• Any particular ages the person noticed that they were getting older?
• What are 1-2 historical or societal events the person has lived through and how did that impact them?
• What have been some of the biggest changes you have seen in life/society as you have aged?
• What have been the best ages/times of your life so far?
• Do you have any particular goals/hopes for the future?
• How are young people today different from when you were their age?
• What advice/words of wisdom would you give young people to help them prepare for their old age?
• Have you ever experienced any negative attitudes or discrimination because of your age?
• Other topics you feel are relevant.
• Summarize your interview.
• Reflection:
- How did you feel during the interview?
- What did you learn about this person’s life and their experience with aging?
- Did anything surprise you about the interview or interviewee?
- How did this interview impact your view of older adults?