Elderly, Interview Example

Abstract

Mr. R.A was interviewed by me on 12^th May, 2014 at his residence where he shares with his wife and two grandsons, who are attending middle school a few blocks away. He is in perfect health except for intermittent blood sugar and pressure health issues, which are controlled through a combination of diet and medication. Besides he is very active in his community being an associate pastor in his church and a member of the community policing group.

Part 1: Introduction

This interview was conducted with an elderly client R.A. He was born in a small state in United States of America during the civil rights movement era. Mr. R.A is 70 years old retired veteran after serving his stint in Vietman. Presently, he resides with his 65 year old wife being married for 35 years. The interview was arranged by his case worker form the veteran clinic where he visits regularly to have his blood sugar and pressure evaluated. Mr. R.A was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes five years ago and since had developed mild essential hypertension.

Part 11: Development (Interview)

Mr. R.A. I am very thankful to you for agreeing to this interview. You can be assured that all your answers will remain confidential and only shared with my professor for educational purposes. No identity will be revealed in the information retrieved.

Biographic data:

Interviewer: – (10 pts). Are you single, married, divorced, widowed?

How does the person feel about being married for 35 years?

Response:I am married for 35 years to the same woman.It is a wonderful thing to stay married for so many years to the same person since in modern developed society couples can hardly remain married for 35 hours. I am proud to be an example to my generation of a solid family life; living the ‘till do us part’ philosophy.

What does the marital status predict about longevity? (From text). People who are married live longer and more productive lives with better quality of health.

Interviewer: Do you (10 pts) have children? How many? Grandchildren? Do they live close by? How often do they visit?

Response: Yes! We have four children, two girls and two boys. They live in the same state, but some distance apart. They have given us six beautiful grandchildren for whom we are happy to subscribe to their upbringing since two of the boys live with us. They visit us very often and call almost every day to check on how we are doing.

3). Interviewer(10 pts). Who do you have regular social contact with? What activities do you love engaging in with friends?

Response: – My regular social contacts are church members and administrative staff including board members. Activities that I engage mostly with friends are playing the guitar; singing in the church choir and discussing biblical facts.

According to text learning what does the social contact in the above two questions predict about longevity. Social contact helps elderly enjoy a more fulfilling quality of life and enhances the life span since they have a goal and purpose to express.

Interview: (10 pts) Do you still drive? If not, who takes the person to appointments?

Response: –I still drive to go everywhere I go. Recently I have been awarded the safe driver insurance policy waiver.

According to text learning, what does the sense of autonomy and control predict about longevity? Autonomy in an elderly person helps maintain independence and cognitive skills.

Life satisfaction?  He/she is more satisfied as being able to live out their purpose

Interviewer:(10 pts). What do you engage in currently do to keep mentally active?

Response: –I am a preacher at my church and conduct the praise and healing  mid-week services. Besides, I still take classes in theology; speech and communication skills to enhance my deliverance.

According to text learning, what does this level of activity predict about mental health? The person remains mentally active a longer time than persons who maintain a stagnant mental attitude. Their personality is one of captivation and people tend to still love them throughout the aging process.

and cognitive health? Their memory is almost perfect as people of a younger age because they do not stop learning.

Interviewer: – (10 pts). What does the person currently do to keep physically active?

Response: –We have a good size plot of land behind our property. I love fresh green vegetables and I take the time to plan whatever can be grown so we can have fresh greens. I grow spinach, ochro, collard greens and even some peanuts.

What does this level of activity predict about mental health?

This level of activity predicts better circulation of blood, vitamins and fluid around the body thereby producing more alertness.

Cognitive health? Improves the ability to absorb new information and remember.

longevity? Enhances the life span and quality of life.

Interviewer:(5 pts). What medical conditions do you have? What medications are you taking?

Response: I was diagnosed a few years ago with type 2 diabetes, which they say is an African American disease. Subsequently a few times the blood pressure was elevated above the mean. However, I only take Glipizide 5 mgs daily for the diabetes and the blood pressure is being controlled with diet.

Is this person’s medical health normative for his/her age? This can be considered above average for his age.Interviewer: – (5 pts). What do you consider to be your greatest strengths? What are you struggling with now that used to be easy? How have you adapted to maintain functioning?

Response: –My greatest strength is my cognitive abilities and the way I deliver the word accurately, quoting scriptures by heart which I learnt since childhood. Occasionally, I struggle with concentrating as many people do at times especially when the noise level is high. However, when I get into an attitude of meditation I am able to concentrate better.

Part 111: Summary

Interviewer (10 pts).What is your sex life like? Briefly describe?

Response: – So far being with the same woman for 35 years the only think that can happen is for sex to get better because we know each other’s corners.

Interviewer:As an ardent Christian how you perceive God of the bible?

Response: I belief that there is a God in the heavens, but many themes in the bible are contradictory so I base my expression of God on guidance from the Holy Spirit.

Interviewer:What is your understanding of the Holy Spirit?

Response: – It is the power of God in me that strengthens and shows the truth daily.

Interviewer: – How involved have you been in the civil rights movement in your time?

Response: – I was small, but my parents were militant in the movement.

Interviewer: –What are your perceptions concerning American 21^st century politics?

Response:- We have come a long way and I hope to see us move forward in unity of spirit according to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. where black boys will join hand with white girls and vice-versa.

Prediction

From the foregoing responses Mr. R.A has a very fulfilling days ahead. He is relatively healthy for his age; has a wife and children who care; an active sex life and very active in his church and community.