Perceptions of Age: A Comparative Interview Study

1.) Did you notice any patterns in your interviews.

I found that each person replied “good” when I asked about how does it felt to be their age. I found it fascinating that everyone seemed to be happy at the age they were at. However, when I asked the question about what age they wished they were, they all wished they were a different age. Everyone wished they were older for various reasons except for the 65 years and older person that I interviewed, whom wished they were younger. I thought that it was interesting since, they all seemed content and felt good about the age that they currently are, but also wished they were a different age. I wonder if we all think the grass is greener on the other side. Maybe, as humans we are happy, but are always wishing for something better in our life. Maybe we think that a different age would make our life better. For example, the age group 3-16 years old interviewee wished they had more freedom to make the choice of not attending school. The interviewee in the age group of 17-34 years old wished to live away from home and do what she wants to with her friends. The next age group of 35-65 years old interviewee wished for retirement. Then, the interviewee in the age group 65 and older, wished they were at an age that had better health.

Another pattern that I found was, each person that I interviewed fit developmentally into their age group. As the individuals answered the simple questions, I compared them to what I imagine other people in their age group would like and dislike doing. As a result, most of the activities that I consider people in their age group would have an interest in, matched the interviewees hobbies.

2.) What surprised you the most during your interviews?

I think that every...

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...erent. When I looked at the assignment questions, I thought that even though they were different ages I thought that they would answer many of the questions the same. However, I was wrong. I have learned a few things with this assignment. I found out that I should not assume that everyone will have similar answers. Another thing that I found out was to not be stereotypical. Even though everyone’s answers fit into my view of what someone their age group would do, I should not assume that all people of their age would like to do the same things in life. We all have different views and interests in life and that is what makes us all unique. I know one 80 year old lady who love to ride bikes, swim, and play at the beach in the sand with their great- grandchildren. Therefore, I need to think about my own stereotype of what I think people in each age group should be doing.