Interview Paper

Interview Paper
This interview was done in an attempt to find out and learn about the aging process as well as the thing the aging process means to a person regarded as elderly. To attain these objectives, the interviewer interviewed an elderly male nearing his 68th birthday. For reporting the findings of the interview, the interviewer shall refer to the interviewee as Hulk, a fabricated name of safeguarding his privacy. Hulk is an American who has lived in the US since his birth. The findings shall be reported in verbatim from the interviewees’ responses to the questions.
Please provide me with a brief overview of your life (i.e. birthplace, schooling, work career, family makeup, etc.).
I am Hulk, an American citizen by birth from New York State. I was born in 1948 in Lewis County, and I attended the South Lewis Schools and Brooklyn College for my high school and college education respectively. At the university, I studied a course in secondary education. After my schooling, I got employed at various local schools and retired when I was at the Norwich City Schools located in Chenango County. I am the youngest in a family of three sisters and two brothers, who we together grew up in Lewis County. Our parents passed away before my fifteenth birthday with my mother dying due to tuberculosis that made her live her final years in quarantine in a hospital. This made me devastated, but through the help of my older siblings, we passed through to live positively. I got married in 1978, and we were blessed with three children, a son and two daughters who have also established their families.

I lost my wife in 2010 to a road accident. May her soul rest in peace.
Would you please describe your definition of aging, as it relates to you and your life?
In my view, to get old is a natural and biological evolution placed on men by God. I am fearless of death as it is inevitable for all men rather I view every day of my living as a present. I do not view getting old through positive or negative lenses, but merely an ordinary, biological process. However, of course with aging, comes joint or bodily aches but so is better acumen as well as the chance to carry on in learning about myself and mature from these reflections.
What aspects of aging do you find most interesting and enjoyable/rewarding?
So many, but to cite a few examples, I raised my children in a modest way, and it is enjoyable to watch them live their lives morally upright and succeed in life. Secondly, I have grandchildren, and I always get to feel the happiness brought by little kids when they visit. I love them which lightens my heart. Lastly, I spend more time visiting my friends and cousins as well as pursue my passions.
What aspects of aging to you find most challenging and would change if you could?
Though I enjoy the aging, I also encounter various challenges which are mostly physical incapacities such as joint pains, weak bones making me unable to stand for long as I used to in my youthful days in a classroom. Further, I do not shake off sickness very easily as when I was young. I am slow in my movements and also get fatigued so fast making me unable to do hard works.
Do you have an “end of life plan” for yourself? Describe the items or details included in your plan (i.e. disposition of your body/remains, life support directive, estate planning, executor to will/estate, etc.).
I do not have several properties, but the little I own, I have already written a will for my son and daughters together with their children/my grandchildren. As regards my medication should I become incapacitated, I have no plans, in fact, it is your question that has made me realize that I should make some arrangements. Concerning my body should I die, I have left that in the hands of my children to deal with my body normally as other people’s bodies, preservation, and burial in a cemetery and the burial ceremony to be presided over by the pastor.
When did you have your first conversation with loved ones regarding your EOL plan, who did you have the conversation with, and how was it received and was it helpful?
It is only the will which five years after writing it (in 2012) that I disclosed its existence to my family members even though I did not reveal its content. They were positive about the writing of the will with the eldest daughter joking that she may die before me and not benefit from her bequeath.
How many of your immediate family have an “end of life plan” and who created theirs first?
I may not be sure of my sisters, but my late brother had a will which upon his death was read to his family members, even though there were a few dissatisfactions but at least most issues were settled by the will. Being the youngest, I believe I wrote my will last.
What are you most proud of in your life?
Raising my kids in the most morally upright way and fearing God. It is fulfilling to see your children grow into God fearing and successful people who compete favorably with others in the workplace.
Are there any regrets that you have about your life?
My only regret is not saving enough to take care of me at this old age. I suffer many health complications that require medical attention, and that is money. I have to spend without any stable source of income, and I must rely on my children for financial support ad I feel I am a burden on them financially.
What is the best advice you can give to someone like me?
Start to save early and plan properly for your old age days. Invest in your welfare including those of your children while you are in your youth and should you live to the old age, live positively respecting your God.