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Overview:
The elder I interviewed is a 78 year old who spends most
of her weekends at the farm where she was raised…My interactions
with her helped me to view aging from a different perspective
and to dispel some stereotypical misconceptions I had of her
and of elders in general. For example, watching the way she
manages the farm, drives and fixes the tractor, and maintains
the outbuildings, gave me incredible respect for her and helped
me to realize that just because she is nearly fourscore years
doesn't mean she's too weak to do the things she loves…I
thoroughly enjoyed a wonderful conversation and learned about
a woman much wiser than me.
Highlights of interview/student's questions:
Do you experience any stress or distress that is associated
with loss?
"The greatest loss I have experienced recently is the
death of my husband of 56 years. The first year was terribly
hard and I cried a lot. I have tried to fill that void with
new friends at my apartment and church, but he met needs in
my life that no one else can. Sometimes I find myself looking
forward to death and the day when I will get to see him in
heaven, but for now I will try to make the best of life and
enjoy all that God has blessed me with."
What do you see in your future?
"…After I sell the farm…I am not concerned
that I won't have anything to do. I just know that I will
miss spending time at a place that reminds me so much of my
Swedish heritage and memories of growing up."
How do you view the health care system?
"…One thing I have noticed the last several times
at the doctor is that she seems too busy to spend a lot of
time talking to me. I feel like my visits are rushed and that
my doctor is impatient…"
What does it mean to age successfully?
"…One thing that makes me feel that I am successful
in my older age is that I can look back and not have very
many regrets about the way I lived my life. It would be so
sad to be facing some of the challenges of growing old while
feeling depressed about the things that happened in the past.
I know there are things that occur that we can't do anything
about, but making good decisions when you're young generally
pays off in the long run."
What changes in American society enable more men and women
to age successfully?
"Politicians are always talking about how they are going
to lower health care and prescription drug cost for seniors
but it never seems to happen…I wonder if there will be
any social security left when you are my age…"
What are your life goals?
"…Family is so important to me and I want to experience
as much of them as possible while my mind is sharp and I am
able."
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