Interview with Old people

Interview 2

(This interview was with a stranger in a working office)
name: Susan age: 78

1. Do you have any plans for the future or are you just waiting to die?
No, my plans for the future are to continue what I do. I assist at a Buddhist Monastery and I also do house cleaning.

2.If I were to encourage you to go out and do some activity, what would you think and would you do it?
I would like to go running with my daughter in New York. Go to shows and restaurants. Give me 3 months to do this because I really would like to do it. Thank you so much.

3. Have you felt disempowered most of your life?
Yes, until five years ago when I realized I could rely on others.

4. How do you think the youth should treat elders?
Treat them with respect. They must be self aware and be patient enough to listen to their point of view, even if they don't agree.

5. Do you consider yourself as a wise human being? If so why?
I feel I have a communication problem. I don't feel I am wise because I keep comparing myself to the best.

6.What is your understanding of happiness at this point?
Happiness is when you love, sadness comes when you don't love.

7. Why is it that most elders feel resigned at this age?
Is because they base their lives on what they do rather on what they think.

8. What can you do to still feel alive?
Working and making sure I am happy every moment. It comes from the inside. I am still strugguling, that is why I am working on it.

9. Based on your experiences, what is living a good and meaningful life?
Not to do anything harmful, do good. Understand yourself.


Interview 3

(Interview with my neighbor)
name: Ellen Age: 73

1. Do you have any plans for the future or are you just waiting to die?
I do have plans for the future. I want to spend time with my family because I have no much time left.

2. If I were to encourage you to go out and do some activity, what would you think and would you do it?
It depends on the activity, if its tyring I wouldn't do it. Your request is unusual.

3. Have you felt disempowered most of your life?
No

4. How do you think the youth should treat elders?
They should be more respectful. I don't think they have to take care of us, but if we were to need help they should be there.

5. Do you consider yourself as a wise human being? If so why?
Yes, because I live through so much. Being wise is not being smart but knowing based on experience.

6.What is your understanding of happiness at this point?
Spending time with my family.

7. Why is it that most elders feel resigned at this age?
Because we get tired easily, because we don't have the abilities that we used to have.

8. Do you really think society considers old people as useless? if so why?
Yes, a lot of people do. They think we aren't able to do what others can.

9. What can you do to still feel alive?
Be with my family. Go around and visit places I like. You know the good stuff.

10. Based on your experiences, what is living a good and meaningful life?
To do what you feel is right.