Life History Interview Example

Introduction

The research analyzes longevity in an interview with John Walker, a 78-year-old Mississippi resident. The interview questions revolved around various faces of longevity from health and psychological perspective, including cognitive, physical, spiritual, and social aspects. The responses depict that John engages in moderate social and physical activity, spiritual activity, and little cognitive activity. Based on the findings, the research proposes an intervention for John that includes social, physical, and cognitive elements.

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Interview

Interviewer:What is your first memory from your childhood?

John: Thank you; I remember grease gun fighting at four years with the neighbor boy. His father worked with a petroleum company. Hence, he had tanks full of lubricants. The boy and I began pumping the tanks, held the pistons and sprayed one another. What fun? It was until his parents realized and stopped us. This is a vivid reflection on a life story (Brannen, 2013).

Interviewer: What is your most vivid historical memory?

John: When I was ten years, I vividly remember we were stuck in a jam with my parents. I was peeping through the window and saw a boy of my age in the car next to us. When I waved at him, he smiled and waved back. Suddenly, our lane began to flow while their car remained stuck in a jam. It bored me up!

Interviewer: What did your parents make you do that you hated doing?

John: Playing soccer, yet I was an athlete.

Interviewer: What did you use to do in the evening?

John: Playing with neighbors hide and seek game as well as running competition, not forgetting making toy guns. In our house, I could watch cartoons and do my homework.

Interviewer: What do you remember about going to school?

John: Haha... I remember teachers' advice that the real world was waiting for me and it lacks sympathy to anyone. I also remember the games we used to play as well as the names of all my teachers.

Interviewer: What was life like as a young adult who was dating? What kind of things did you do on a date?

John: At my early twenties after college, I used to hang out with friends either to shopping, parties, or playing. There was nothing left, except to find a partner and make a family. Life was so fun and enjoyable, but sometimes it got emotional when challenges such as sickness arose. While on a date, I gave my late wife freedom to choose her best desires. I could offer a serene atmosphere to ensure tranquility during touchy romantic words. (Rauer et al. 2013).

Interviewer: What do you remember best about your wedding ceremony or wedding day?

John: I recall my first time in limo ride without traffic to the Mississippi Catholic Church.

Interviewer: How many children?

John: I was blessed with two children, Mary and George.

Interviewer: What was it like to be a parent? Was parenting differently than it is today?

John: My first born-Mary gave me the joy of heart, and I felt special in society. However, there were worse moments that I could regret having the baby.

Interviewer: Like what instance?

John: Like when the child develops the illness, she used to cry too much that I could sympathize with her. Again, technology was lower than today that made children unexposed to the different kind of plays and a variety of food. Children of today grow faster and become exposed due to the evolution of technology and adjustment within the environment.

Interviewer: What is your occupation?

John: I am a pilot who served his entire life as a United States Air Force. I represented my country in fighting Vietnamese Military in 1955- 1975. The war was fierce that US Military lost some soldiers. However, we won the battle, and I am fortunate to be still alive, I thank God! (Shading tears then wipe it).

Interviewer: If you had it to do over again, would you pick that profession?

John: Well, I am proud of my country and a true patriot. Given the chance and energy, I still can continue with my line of the profession because I always dreamt it since I was young.

Interviewer: Do you have parents or grandparents that were immigrants? If so, from where?

John: Although my parents were born in America, my grandfather was among the Catholic missionaries from England, while my grandmother was a Black-American.

Interviewer: Is there someone in your life with whom you can have a close, warm relationship?

John: (Taking a deep breath), No, I miss my wife who died four years ago. We used to share a lot, and since her demise, the gap she left cannot be refilled.

Interviewer: Do you feel your living arrangements are satisfactory?

John: I am alright, I have my home, my family, and I am in good health. I am fully satisfied as you can see.

Interviewer: Have you had to adjust your standard of living since retiring?

John: Yes, I established the home garden that I attend to as well as my dairy cows. They keep me busy all the time.

Interviewer: What do you do to keep your health? John: I have my home gym besides taking a balanced diet and little cholesterol foods.

Interviewer: How often do you have contact with your children and grandchildren? Other relatives?

John: For children, they are always available every evening after work. However, most grandchildren are in boarding school except Stacy, until holidays. I also often visit my brother whenever I miss him.

Interviewer: What do you let your grandchildren do that your children could not do?

John: My grandchildren can recite Bible verses and teach me what they learned from school, unlike my children whom I did not spend much time with due to work engagement.

Interviewer: Do you have any hobbies or ever collected anything?

I collected comics as well as Marvel since my childhood, but, due to inadequate space, I have left some. For hobbies, I love reading inspirational books like those of William Shakespeare.

Interviewer: Have you ever played a musical instrument?

John: No.

Interviewer: What is your strongest asset?

John: My greatest asset is curiosity. It is what drove me to be a pilot.

Interviewer: What is the best gift you've ever received?

John: The jewelry that I got from my wife at our wedding. I still keep it to date as a symbol of our marriage.

Interviewer: What is the most extravagant thing you've ever done?

John: I bought four cars at once, for my two children each, my wife and mine, immediately after my return from the Vietnam War.

Interviewer: What are you most proud of having done?

John: Having served the country as military personnel, I feel honored for the great work and dedication, a show of true patriotism!

Interviewer: What is the most important rule you've lived by?

John: My health is my wealth! This is the reason I am still strong and alive!

Interviewer: We are almost coming to an end of this interview, but before we conclude, who has had the most influence in your life and how?

John:Indeed my parents since they always tried to bring me up in good morals and provided for me the necessary that I required to grow, learn, pursue my carrier, and marry to become a responsible parent.

Interviewer: What would you still like to do that you have not done yet?

John: I am satisfied with everything. It is turn for the young generation.

Interviewer: The best advice for today's youth?

John: Fear God and respect parents and the elderly since the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom!' (McCauley et al. 2013).

The main communication barriers in this conversation were religion and age. John's movements are restricted due to age and energy. Regarding his response to the interview, John is very active, responds without hesitation, and very honest. He is also emotional and mostly very happy throughout the conversation. Lastly, there were a few practical pointers I used when communicating with John. They included listening intently during the conversation, and approaching him mindfully to ensure the success of the interview. Lastly, I emphasized some questions to get a clear explanation.

Outcome Summary

First, I learned that despite old age, sagging skin, and facing chronic diseases, John is very happy with life because he chose his right career, married at a mature age, and brought up children morally. Secondly, age cannot limit anyone from his potentials. John still attends his fitness gym despite his age. Again, aging is not a disadvantage since John is still capable of attending to home garden as well as inspiring youths with wise words. Lastly, life seems to be a full circle. John played with fellow kids while young, and he now trains and plays with his grandchildren.

Thank you, John, for your time and response to my questions on this conversation. I am honored to interview you as part of this research project. I adored our discussion about life history with the elderly and the information gathered will be vital in academic research as well as enhancement of knowledge in social, spiritual, and cognitive spheres. In case of another interview, I will inform you. God bless you.

References

Brannen, J. (2013). Life story talk: Some reflections on narrative in qualitative interviews. Sociological Research Online, 18(2), 1-11.

McCauley, C. D., DeRue, D. S., Yost, P. R., & Taylor, S. (2013). Experience-driven leader development: Models, tools, best practices, and advice for on-the-job development. John Wiley & Sons.

Rauer, A. J., Pettit, G. S., Lansford, J. E., Bates, J. E., & Dodge, K. A. (2013). Romantic relationship patterns in young adulthood and their developmental antecedents. Developmental psychology, 49(11), 2159.