Fieldwork Assignment
• Go to a senior center in your community and talk with older retired people about why they joined the senior center. Observe at least 2 activities during your visit. Have your opinions changed about older people? How are the older people enjoying their activities? What conclusions can have you gained from your visit?
• Interview two older people who have remained in their professions - entrepreneurs, lawyers, writers, teachers, executives, managers, or doctors, for example. Why do they continue working? Do they have any "retirement" plans?
• Visit a local nursing home. Outline the major strengths and weaknesses with respect to how the environment promotes quality of life for residents. Please include any questions asked during the interview.
• Interview at least two people who are the sole caretakers for an older person. This person should not be related to you or someone in your family. Include questions that explore how the relationships developed (how did they become the sole caretaker?) What does this caregiver's daily routine look like? What responsibilities does he/she have? Do they work outside the home? How much assistance does this caregiver have inside the home? How much interaction is there from other family members for these individuals? Why is the amount of involvement higher for some and lower for others? Inquire about their general health since they became the caretakers for the older person. Compare your findings between the two interviews.