An In-Depth Interview with an 84-Year-Old Adult: Psychology

This assignment is an interview with an 84-year-old woman, focusing on her life experiences and perspectives. The interview explores various aspects of her life, including her definition of family, childhood memories with siblings, and teenage dating experiences. It delves into her relationship with her husband, parenting style, and the number of children and grandchildren she has. The interview also touches upon significant life changes, such as technological advancements and driving experiences, as well as her views on the differences between the past and the present. The conclusion highlights the importance of family in her life. The assignment offers insights into the interviewee's personal history, values, and reflections on aging and societal changes, making it a valuable resource for understanding the life of an older adult.

Running head: AN INTERVIEW WITH AN A DULT 1
An Interview with an Adult
Name
Institution

INTERVIEW WITH AN OLD ADULT 2
Interview
Introduction
I held an interview with my mother, who is 84 years old. There are a lot of information that I
learned. I have described the flow of aspects I asked her in the subsequent sub-headings below:
Family
ME: What would you describe family to be?
MOTHER: Family is such a profound word for me. Family is a word I use to describe those that
are close to me as well as those who make me feels at home when I am around them.
ME: Would you talk about what is common in families?
You can choose friends, but you cannot select a family. Despite the difference in economic,
cultural, and social status, what is universal about families is how important they serve within
their relationship bounded by blood.
Childhood
ME: Would you say something about your childhood?
MOTHER: I was born in a family of 8 children, consisting of 5 sisters, two brothers. I am the last
born in our family; unfortunately, I am the only one existing. I often think about them because
we used to be very close and we shared a lot.

INTERVIEW WITH AN OLD ADULT 3
MOTHER: There are a lot of things we used to do collectively. We were inseparable, and that
meant that we would go out in the field to work and without getting tired since we enjoyed each
other's company. My sister and I were best of friends since we were in the same grade.
Teen years
ME: Would you talk about your dating life as a teenager?
MOTHER: My first love was such a sweet, handsome and kind man. I tried to get time for better
expression of my desire to him, but I could not get sufficient time due to the strict family
stipulation which demanded that I get back home before 10:00 PM.
ME: What proved to be most challenging being a teenager?
MOTHER: It was challenging to get out alone and have my private times with my friends.
Sometimes I wished to be out alone, but I would get myself in the company of my siblings.
Young adult
ME: Would you tell me more about your first meeting with your husband?
MOTHER: We met during a church service when he was present as a visitor. At the age of 20, I
was a vibrant youth who participated in the church choir. After the service, he called me and
complimented my sweet voice. He showed interest in knowing me more, and I later realized that
they were in the same high school with my brother. He got my contact and then asked me out for
a date, and I gave the nod. That was the genesis of our journey. We began dating, which went
for a year then, we married a year after.

INTERVIEW WITH AN OLD ADULT 4
ME: How many kids do you currently have?
MOTHER: I gave birth to nine children, but I have eight existing as one died.
ME: Would you say you were a good parent?
MOTHER: From the excellent result of disciplined children I raised, I would, of course, say I a
perfect mother. I instilled discipline, and I punished where necessary.
ME: How would you compare the current parenting and the past?
MOTHER: The current parenting proves to be harder since children have become disrespectful
and disobedient. The manner and respect that existed amongst children or our time are long
gone.
History
ME: Would you tell me something about your grandchildren?
MOTHER: It is a blessing to have the grandchildren and even the great-grandchildren. God
blessed me with 20 grandchildren whose ages are in the range of 15-44 and a lot of great-
grandchildren. God willing, I will be welcoming my great-great –great grandchild in a few
months and I am hoping my generation will be stronger.
ME: Do you drive?
MOTHER: I used to drive but held back when I got sick. I am reconsidering driving though my
children think I should shelve driving.
ME: What was the 1st model car you possessed?

INTERVIEW WITH AN OLD ADULT 5
MOTHER: I first acquired an A 1957 BEL-AIR with lots of love since it had a smooth drive.
ME: About all the life changes you have seen for the time you have had on earth, what is the
significant change you have experienced?
MOTHER: For the past 84 years I have had in this earth, the most significant change that I have
experienced is the fast technological advancement. Technological changes remain the most
surprising events in my life since my children shock me with new ideas every day including
Facebook.
ME: How different is today from the past?
MOTHER: The much surprise I have for this advancement is the daily killing for no better
reason. In the olden days, such never existed.
Conclusion
ME: Who is the most important to you in life is a cliché question, who would you say is the most
important person to you?
MOTHER: Family comes before everyone, as they are the people whom I can consult. I highly
appreciate the existence of the family around me. It is such a blessing to have the roots of a
family.