The hardest thing about growing older

Conduct two interviews with (1) an individual dealing with the topic you chose and (2) someone helping an individual with the topic you chose. One person must be older (age 60 or older) Explain to your subjects that their privacy will be protected and you will not use their names.

1. In what ways have your relationships (e.g. relationship with spouse, parents, siblings, children, peers, etc.) changed as you have gotten older? NOTE: This can be broken up into several different, relationship-specific questions as is applicable to your interviewee.
2. How are young people today different from when you were their age?
3. What advice would you give to young adults to help them prepare for old age?
4. What is the hardest thing about growing older?
5. What is the best thing about growing older?
6. What do you spend your time doing now?
7. How did retirement impact you personally? How did retirement impact your relationships?
8. How have your personal interests and recreational activities changed as you’ve gotten older?
9. How has becoming a grandparent impacted your life? (If the subject is not a grandparent you must pose an alternate question).
10. How has becoming a grandparent impacted your relationships with your own children? (If the subject is not a grandparent you must pose an alternate question).

Sample Interview Questions for an Interview with a Caregiver:

1. How was it decided that you would become your family member’s caregiver?
2. How has your relationship with the family member that you care for changed after you became his/her caregiver?
3. What is the most difficult part of being the caregiver for a family member?
4. What is the best part of being the caregiver for a family member?
5. What advice would you give to someone who is planning on becoming a caregiver?
6. In what ways has becoming a caregiver impacted your daily life?
7. How has becoming a caregiver impacted your relationships (other than your relationship with the person you provide care for)?
8. What challenges does the person you provide care for have in relation to receiving care from you?
9. What sources of support do you have in your care giving responsibilities?
10. What other options did you think about when deciding how to care for your family member’s needs?