Analysis of Interview with Elderly Individual: Psychology Report

This report presents an analysis of an interview conducted with a 70-year-old man, focusing on the changes experienced during late adulthood. The interview explores various aspects of aging, including dietary habits, digestive abilities, and the onset of physical ailments like knee pains. The report connects the interview responses to psychological theories, particularly Erikson's stage of 'Ego Integrity versus Despair,' and highlights the importance of supportive familial relationships and positive self-perception in coping with emotional challenges. Furthermore, the report discusses the physiological changes associated with aging, such as musculoskeletal issues and decreased digestive function, as reflected in the interview responses. The conclusion emphasizes the significance of lifestyle modifications and positive reflective practices in helping elderly individuals navigate the multifaceted adverse changes associated with aging.

Running head: INTERVIEWING AN ELDERLY INDIVIDUAL
INTERVIEWING AN ELDERLY INDIVIDUAL
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author note:

1INTERVIEWING AN ELDERLY INDIVIDUAL
Introduction
As an individual ages and gradually progresses towards the end of life, he or she
encounters a range of physiological, psychological, emotional and social changes. Ageing is
indeed associated with multiple detrimental changes neurological, physical and mental levels,
which hence pave the way adverse symptoms and health consequences (Harridge & Lazarus,
2017). The following paper will briefly expound these changes with respect to interview
responses procured via interviewing an elderly individual.
Discussion
Interview Response Synopsis
The interview was conducted on a 70 year old man – the grandfather of my childhood
friend. Upon being questioned on encountering any noticeable changes during late adulthood, the
concerned elderly individual responded that dietary habits and digestive abilities have been some
of the most prominent and disruptive health consequences. Since his late 60s, he finds it
increasingly difficult to digest heavy meals or even lightly spiced dishes. The client also
expressed the recent onset of his knee pains – a phenomenon which was relatively absent during
his adulthood. To mitigate these changes, the client admitted to adhere to light, small meals and
avoidance of strenuous activities. The client also admitted to feeling melancholic often during
reflection of his past failures in terms of career achievements. However, with a little support
from his family, he feels encouraged to reflect on the positive memories of life, which in turn,
makes feel grateful for whatever life has offered him till date.

2INTERVIEWING AN ELDERLY INDIVIDUAL
Comparison with Evidence
Upon examination of the acquired responses, I honestly was not surprised since we have
been taught about the possible changes which occur in late adulthood. One of the key
psychosocial theoretical perspectives postulated by Berk (2017), is the stage of ‘Ego Integrity
versus Despair’ by Erik Erikson. As per this theory, elderly individuals are likely to reflect on
prominent moments in their life. Memories and recollections of success have been associated
with positive feelings of fulfilment and satisfaction where those associated with failures result in
feelings of regret, unhappiness, remorse and despair within the elderly individual (Westerhof,
Bohlmeijer & McAdams, 2017). However, supportive familial relationships along with adopting
positive perceptions concerning oneself are key coping strategies an aged person can revert to in
order to overcome such emotional conflicts and distresses (Dezutter, Toussaint & Dewitte,
2019). Indeed, such similarities can be found in the interview responses, where the elderly
individual agreed to reflecting and dwelling upon the positives of his life, rather than the
negatives.
Ageing is associated with a range of musculoskeletal consequences such as reduced bone
density, loss of muscle fibers and loss of balance resulting in joint pains, swelling and difficulty
in movement during late adulthood (Boros & Freemont, 2017). These are observed to be
admitted by the interviewed elderly client. Additionally, with ageing, there is a decrease in the
secretion of digestive juices and enzymes which in turn, disrupt an individual’s ability to digest
heavy meals or foods which are oily and heavily spiced (Merchant et al., 2016). These have
indeed been reflected in the interview responses acquired from the client.

3INTERVIEWING AN ELDERLY INDIVIDUAL
Conclusion
Thus, with the help of real life interview responses, this paper successful discusses on the
key psychological, physiological, social and emotional changes encountered by an elderly
individual, as he or she progresses towards end of life. To conclude, lifestyle modifications
coupled with engagement in positive reflective practice will assist the elderly in overcoming
these multifaceted adverse changes.

4INTERVIEWING AN ELDERLY INDIVIDUAL
References
Berk, L. E. (2017). Exploring lifespan development. Pearson.
Boros, K., & Freemont, T. (2017). Physiology of ageing of the musculoskeletal system. Best
practice & research Clinical rheumatology, 31(2), 203-217.
Dezutter, J., Toussaint, L., & Dewitte, L. (2019). Finding a Balance between Integrity and
Despair: A Challenging Task for Older Adults in Residential Care. Journal of Adult
Development, 1-10.
Harridge, S. D., & Lazarus, N. R. (2017). Physical activity, aging, and physiological
function. Physiology, 32(2), 152-161.
Merchant, H. A., Liu, F., Gul, M. O., & Basit, A. W. (2016). Age-mediated changes in the
gastrointestinal tract. International journal of pharmaceutics, 512(2), 382-395.
Westerhof, G. J., Bohlmeijer, E. T., & McAdams, D. P. (2017). The relation of ego integrity and
despair to personality traits and mental health. The Journals of Gerontology: Series
B, 72(3), 400-407.