The aging population
As you have learned about the aging population in this class, you now have an opportunity to take your learning and
apply it in a real-world setting. There are two options for completing this assignment:
1) Speak with an aging person through the course engagement with a senior center; OR
2) Find an aging person in your circle of connections and interview that person.
There are two sets of instructions below:
1) Interviewing Questions; and
2) Assignment Questions.
You only need to report on the Assignment Questions.
The person you interview must be at least 65 years or older. Do not include interviewee name or identifying information
on your assignment.
Interview Questions – This is for your experience:
Introduce yourself and explain that you are taking a course in aging and learning about some of the benefits and
challenges of the aging population. Once you have permission to interview, please use the following questions as your
guide.
1. Tell me about what you value most and least during your aging years.
2. What is the most memorable historical event that you recall? Describe the memory including your thoughts and
feelings.
3. Tell me what has been the most beneficial and challenging about your aging experience.
4. How do you feel about the healthcare system in the US? What are some challenges you face?
5. What type of housing do you have? Does your housing meet your needs?
6. Do you find that age provides you more insight on life and life experiences?
7. Based upon your life experiences, what is some advice that you may have for me?
Assignment Questions – These are the questions that you answer for your assignment:
As a part of your engagement with the aging population, please answer the following questions in your written
assignment:
1. Analysis of Knowledge: Connects and extends knowledge (facts, theories, etc.) from one’s own academic
study/field/discipline to civic engagement and to one’s own participation in civic life, politics, and government.
How do you believe your knowledge from this course contributed to your work with the aging population? Specifically,
identify information learned from an aging person and how your course learning contributed to an improved
understanding. For example, you might discuss the type of housing the aging person discussed and your own
understanding of such housing.
Sample Solution
The United Nations Secretariat’s Department of Economic and Social Affairs serves as a critical link between global economic, social, and environmental policy and country action. The Department works in three main areas that are interconnected: I it compiles, generates, and analyzes a wide range of economic, social, and environmental data and information on which UN Member States draw to review common problems and assess policy options; (ii) it facilitates Member State negotiations in many intergovernmental bodies on joint courses of action to address ongoing or emerging global challenges; and (iii) it advises interested Gos.
