Case Study and Power Point Presentation

The objective of this paper is for students to gain an understanding of the life course of an older adult and how current theories and concepts apply to the person. The "life course" includes information from the earliest memories to the current time. Students are to interview an older adult; not a family member. Keep in mind that an older adult is at least 65 years of age. Seek information to help you understand the older adults memories of their historical context and to examine some of the theories and concepts discussed in this course. In addition to preparing for the interview by structuring questions to ask the adult, you must incorporate 3 peer reviewed journals throughout your paper that supports your area of focus. For example: if you are focusing on how exercise in later life affects a person's health, your interview questions should include questions about the person's health and their exercise regiment. The peer-reviewed journals should support your topic of exercise in older adults.

Please note: You cannot use the same person that you interviewed during your fieldwork assignment.

Life span questions should include:

What historical components has the individual lived through?

What have they encountered in their lives - early childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, middle adulthood, older age, (include such things as family, education, occupation, military service, retirement).

What physiological changes have they undergone?

Are they dealing with any types of biological consequences of aging - major or chronic illness?

Describe factors related to their current life; this could include the importance of social policies, social supports, living arrangements, social interaction, issues concerning productive aging, and resilience among older adults, i.e. Are they still working? Do they attend a social activity center? Are they care taking for grandchildren?

Your "case" study needs to include theory as well as concepts. The textbook contains several theories of aging. No one theory appears to explain everything. Review the theories ahead of time and after the interview to determine which of the theories, and how you believe the theories, are applicable in this case. In other words, what theories apply to the descriptions of the life course that were described by the individual? What concepts are applicable? Include your personal reflections about issues raised in the case. The paper should begin with an introduction and end with a summary. In addition, the paper should be a minimum of 3-5 pages long. A cover page and reference list must be included in ADDITION to the 3-5 pages (there will be 1 page for the cover page, 1 page for the references + the 3-5 pages of text in the paper).

A powerpoint presentation of 5-7 slides will be presented by each student during class to describe your case study and your findings.