Oral Interview Assignment 

The assignment is to interview an individual over the age of seventy-five. Some scientists studying the aging process claim that our true biological potential is around 110 years rather than the life expectancies we know today—on average about 75 years. The objective is to find out what the individual feels are the contributing factors in their personalities, lifestyles, cultures, and environment that have enabled them to live beyond the “average” life expectancy.  

Suggestions for interview topics:

1.The medical profession tends to look at “dead people” to see what went wrong, our goal is to look at “alive people” to see what went right.

2.“If you knew then what you know now” what are some of the things that you might have done differently in your life?

3.What types of preparations have you made for the eventuality of dying? (This could be a very sensitive area so you might want to use some other topic for discussion).

4.What recommendations would you make to the “younger” generations about how to live a healthy life?

Following the interview I want a written report of between 3-4 pages (double spaced) summarizing the characteristics that enhanced the life and health of the person that you interviewed. In addition, I want you to discuss what you learned from the oral interview and what changes you might make in your own life.  Please email your written report to me by the end of the 8th week.  Send to fontius@siskiyous.edu