what are some good questions to ask an elder of 70-80yrs?

Question

I'm doing this for a school project, i need to interview an elder and write about his/her life. Can someone please help me by providing as many questions as possible. need a lot. thanks

Answer 1

One question I just thought of is: What would you have done differently in your life if you knew you were going to live this long?

And here is a website that has a BUNCH more questions:
http://genealogy.about.com/cs/oralhistory/a/interview.htm

Hope that helps :)

Answer 2

a 70 to 80 year old person would have lived through

radio being the only form of mass media entertainment
TV's initiation
the depression
world war 2
Foster Hewitt's Hockey night in Canada broadcasts
the October missile crisis in the states
John Kennedy assassination
Man going in to space for the first time
Man landing on the moon for the first time
the baby boom after world war 2. They were probably responsible in part for that
the arrival of home computing

so think of questions that you can ask about those. Once they start talking for the most part you will just have to take notes and they will continue talking without you having to prod them with more questions

Answer 3

In no particular order:
1. What was the most life-changing event of your life?
2. What advice do you have to give to the youth of today?
3. Where did you grow up?
4. Who was a major influence in your life?
5. What's the secret to a good, long life?

Make sure when you interview to make it more of a conversation. And in my experience with interviewing people with a lot of interesting stories, I find it best to bring along a tape recorder to capture the entire essence of this person's life, not just answers to some questions. Hope that helps.

Answer 4

How was it growing up when you were younger ?
How much have customs changed since your younger days?
What sort of things did you do in your spare time when you were a child ?
What laws have changed in the past 70 years?
How were the children treated at school when you were a child?
Was everyone religious when you were younger ?
What was at the height of fashion when you were 20 ?
How much were people paid in an average job 60 years ago?
What was the best job going at that time ?
What was the class system like , rich class and poor class?
Who was the most famous singer when you were a teenager?
Is that enough ?????

Answer 5

Did you live in the country or city?
Did you walk to school--how far?
Did you have brothers and sisters? How many? How many are still alive?
Did you ever have to use an outdoor toilet? Did you use toilet paper or use a Sears catalog?
How did you heat your house?
Did you have electricity? Do remember getting electricity?
What do you think of modern stuff--microwave? TV?
Do you remember--before cars. Did you have to ever go by horse and buggy?
Did your mother have to make your clothes or did you buy store made clothes?
Do you remember your first boyfriend? How old were you when you got married. How many children do you have. How many grandchildren do you have? Do they come to see you often.
Hey, I could go on and on. lol Here are a few questions. Maybe with these--you can think of more.

Answer 6

~What are the biggest changes you have seen in your lifetime (i.e. technology, peoples attitudes, stresses that we face, etc.)?
~What moments (i.e. wars, September 11, etc.) have changed the world the most, in your opinion?
~Do you think that things are easier, or more difficult now, as opposed to when you were younger? Why?
~What has changed for the positive? negative?
~What would you most like to tell my generation?

I hope these suggestions help. Enjoy this opportunity, and show interest and respect and I am sure you will do well on this project.

Answer 7

Studs Turkell, the author wrote an entire book devoted to asking questions to individuals over 65, it is magnificant reading.
My initial suggestion is: what are your fears at this point in your life? Or: Do you feel you accomplished one thing worthwhile or made a significant impact in your community.

Answer 8

1. how do you feel
2. whats the most amazing technology you witnesses in your life time ( a 72 yr old friend of mine - tells me Running water and eletricity - and he is serious)
3. earliest memory
4. woudl you want to live another 80 years
5. how was the journey

Answer 9

1) Tell me a special Holiday Memory

2) Which world event that you have live through, impacted you the most - and how?

3) How do you feel the world has changed for the better (and worse) during your lifetime?

Answer 10

1 ask if they had a good life?
2 ask if that person found peace near their end of life?
3 ask if they found the Lord?
4 ask if that person has some good advice?
5 ask if that person had any regrets?