When I was writing the list, thoughts of people close to me came first because they would be the first ones that I would want with me for such a time. I think they would want to be there too. They're the ones who have been through everything with me in life and there being there for this too would comfort me. It would also make having a living funeral more fun, morbid though it may be. With them there will be more laughter and really that's all I really want. The people who'd invite me would think the same way. They'd be friends or family, maybe some people I haven't seen in awhile. They'd want to have people around them who want to be there and not have to go through it all by themselves. It'd make the whole process a little less scary.
Writing the list, I thought about how death is an often scary topic, but its something that has its place. I realize that many people are sad, when things like this happen, and I would be too because it seems like an end. It seems so permanant. But when I thought more about it, I rerealized that death may be inevitable, but the point is to live. That's kind of what Morrie had decided to do, to live. So, at my living funeral, I'd invite people who do just that. Because at the living funeral I wouldn't want a solemn atmosphere, I would want the kind people bring when they are just enjoying a good conversation or story and just enjoy the time I have with everyone.
Curiousity-
"dying is what the living do, dying is what the loving do, dying is what, to live, each has to do."
(Alastair Reid, b. 1926)
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Questions of Old People
Questions
1.What percent of older Americans are healthy?
Older Americans are healthier, with 19.7% suffering from a disability in 1999, versus 26.2% in 1982. About 80% of seniors have at least one chronic health condition, and 50% have at least two. The percentage of obese elderly Americans continues to expand, with about 33 percent of men and 39 percent of women considered obese in 1999-2000, up from 24 percent and 27 percent, respectively, in 1988-94.
2.At what age are you considered old? 65 according to most surveys relating to the older population
3.What percent live in poverty?
The proportion of Americans 65 and older living in poverty declined from 35 percent in 1959 to 10 percent in 2003, largely because of the safety net of Social Security.
4.What percent are divorced?
Changes in family structure, specifically more divorce, fewer children and more stepchildren, may mean less family support for this older segment of the population. In 1960, 1.6 percent of older men and 1.5 percent of older women were divorced. By 2003, 7 percent of older men and 8.6 percent of older women were divorced and had stayed single.
5.What percent of old people are disabled?
In Census 2000, some 14 million people 65 and older reported some level of disability, most of it related to chronic conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, arthritis or respiratory disorders.
6.What percent of older americans live in nursing homes?
Despite the graying of the nation, the percentage of elderly living in nursing homes has declined, according to Census data released today. About 7.4% of Americans aged 75 and older lived in nursing homes in 2006, compared with 8.1% in 2000 and 10.2% in 1990. More than 1.8 million people live in nursing homes.
SOURCES: Visiting Nurse Service of New York, New York City; March 9, 2006, U.S. National Institute on Aging report, 65+ in the United States: 2005, Mia Oberlink, project director, AdvantAge Initiative,
7.How long does the average person live?
According to the report, average life expectancy for U.S. residents in 2003 increased by nearly four months from an average of 77.3 years in 2002 (Mestel, Los Angeles Times, 3/1).
8.What are the leading causes of death for old people?
The report found that the age-adjusted mortality rate for the United States in 2003 was about 831.2 deaths per 100,000 residents (Bowman, Scripps Howard/Detroit News, 3/1).
Increases for Some Conditions
Relative to 2002, the report also found increased mortality rates for some conditions, including:
* A 5.9% increase for Alzheimer's disease;
* A 5.7% increase for hypertension;
* A 2.1% increase for kidney disease; and
* A 3.4% increase for Parkinson's disease.
As a result of the increased mortality rate for Parkinson's disease, the condition replaced murder as one of the top 15 causes of death in the United States (AP/Las Vegas Sun, 2/28).
9.What is declining causes of death for old people?
The report found that from 2002 to 2003, mortality rates for:
* Heart disease declined by 3.6%;
* Cancer declined by 2.2%;
* Stroke decreased by 4.6% (Washington Times, 3/1);
* HIV-related deaths declined by 4.1% (Los Angeles Times, 3/1);
* Chronic respiratory disease declined by 0.7%;
* Flu and pneumonia declined by 3.1%;
* Accidents decreased by 2.2%;
* Suicide declined by 3.7% (AP/Las Vegas Sun, 2/28);
* Alcohol-related illnesses declined by 4.3%;
* Drug-related causes decreased by 3.3%; and
* Work-related injuries decreased by 13%.
10.How many older Americans are there?
There were some 33.5 million people 65 years of age or older in 1995, representing
The older population will continue to grow. The growth will slow during the 1990s because of the relatively small number of babies born during the Depression, and will increase most rapidly between 2010 and 2030, when the "baby boom" generation reaches age 65. There will be about 70 million older Americans in 2030, more than twice as many as in 1990. They are expected to represent about 20 percent of the population at that time.
12. What percentage of old people die in care homes?
Old people who died in care homes increased from 1989 (5.7%) to 2001 (16.2)
More Sources; The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, published for kaisernetwork.org,http://www.dcba.org/public/elderpoints.htm
1.What percent of older Americans are healthy?
Older Americans are healthier, with 19.7% suffering from a disability in 1999, versus 26.2% in 1982. About 80% of seniors have at least one chronic health condition, and 50% have at least two. The percentage of obese elderly Americans continues to expand, with about 33 percent of men and 39 percent of women considered obese in 1999-2000, up from 24 percent and 27 percent, respectively, in 1988-94.
2.At what age are you considered old? 65 according to most surveys relating to the older population
3.What percent live in poverty?
The proportion of Americans 65 and older living in poverty declined from 35 percent in 1959 to 10 percent in 2003, largely because of the safety net of Social Security.
4.What percent are divorced?
Changes in family structure, specifically more divorce, fewer children and more stepchildren, may mean less family support for this older segment of the population. In 1960, 1.6 percent of older men and 1.5 percent of older women were divorced. By 2003, 7 percent of older men and 8.6 percent of older women were divorced and had stayed single.
5.What percent of old people are disabled?
In Census 2000, some 14 million people 65 and older reported some level of disability, most of it related to chronic conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, arthritis or respiratory disorders.
6.What percent of older americans live in nursing homes?
Despite the graying of the nation, the percentage of elderly living in nursing homes has declined, according to Census data released today. About 7.4% of Americans aged 75 and older lived in nursing homes in 2006, compared with 8.1% in 2000 and 10.2% in 1990. More than 1.8 million people live in nursing homes.
SOURCES: Visiting Nurse Service of New York, New York City; March 9, 2006, U.S. National Institute on Aging report, 65+ in the United States: 2005, Mia Oberlink, project director, AdvantAge Initiative,
7.How long does the average person live?
According to the report, average life expectancy for U.S. residents in 2003 increased by nearly four months from an average of 77.3 years in 2002 (Mestel, Los Angeles Times, 3/1).
8.What are the leading causes of death for old people?
The report found that the age-adjusted mortality rate for the United States in 2003 was about 831.2 deaths per 100,000 residents (Bowman, Scripps Howard/Detroit News, 3/1).
Increases for Some Conditions
Relative to 2002, the report also found increased mortality rates for some conditions, including:
* A 5.9% increase for Alzheimer's disease;
* A 5.7% increase for hypertension;
* A 2.1% increase for kidney disease; and
* A 3.4% increase for Parkinson's disease.
As a result of the increased mortality rate for Parkinson's disease, the condition replaced murder as one of the top 15 causes of death in the United States (AP/Las Vegas Sun, 2/28).
9.What is declining causes of death for old people?
The report found that from 2002 to 2003, mortality rates for:
* Heart disease declined by 3.6%;
* Cancer declined by 2.2%;
* Stroke decreased by 4.6% (Washington Times, 3/1);
* HIV-related deaths declined by 4.1% (Los Angeles Times, 3/1);
* Chronic respiratory disease declined by 0.7%;
* Flu and pneumonia declined by 3.1%;
* Accidents decreased by 2.2%;
* Suicide declined by 3.7% (AP/Las Vegas Sun, 2/28);
* Alcohol-related illnesses declined by 4.3%;
* Drug-related causes decreased by 3.3%; and
* Work-related injuries decreased by 13%.
10.How many older Americans are there?
There were some 33.5 million people 65 years of age or older in 1995, representing
The older population will continue to grow. The growth will slow during the 1990s because of the relatively small number of babies born during the Depression, and will increase most rapidly between 2010 and 2030, when the "baby boom" generation reaches age 65. There will be about 70 million older Americans in 2030, more than twice as many as in 1990. They are expected to represent about 20 percent of the population at that time.
12. What percentage of old people die in care homes?
Old people who died in care homes increased from 1989 (5.7%) to 2001 (16.2)
More Sources; The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, published for kaisernetwork.org,http://www.dcba.org/public/elderpoints.htm
Monday, February 9, 2009
Lifestyle of Old Folks-Questions
Questions
1.What percent of older Americans are healthy?
Older Americans are healthier, with 19.7 percent suffering from a disability in 1999, versus 26.2 percent in 1982. Still, in Census 2000, some 14 million people 65 and older reported some level of disability, most of it related to chronic conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, arthritis or respiratory disorders. About 80 percent of seniors have at least one chronic health condition, and 50 percent have at least two. The percentage of obese elderly Americans continues to expand, with about 33 percent of men and 39 percent of women considered obese in 1999-2000, up from 24 percent and 27 percent, respectively, in 1988-94.
2.At what age are you considered old? 50-65s
3.What percent live in poverty?
The proportion of Americans 65 and older living in poverty declined from 35 percent in 1959 to 10 percent in 2003, largely because of the safety net of Social Security.
4.What percent are divorced?
Changes in family structure, specifically more divorce, fewer children and more stepchildren, may mean less family support for this older segment of the population. In 1960, 1.6 percent of older men and 1.5 percent of older women were divorced. By 2003, 7 percent of older men and 8.6 percent of older women were divorced and had stayed single.
Fairly Objective
5. What percent of old people live with their family?
6. What percent work for money?
7.What percent volunteer?
8.What percent are in good shape?
9.What percent is depressed?
10.What percent are happy?
11.What percent live with their families?
Subjective
12. How bad is it in nursing homes?
13. How often do your families visit?
14. What do you do now that you didn't do in your youth?
15. What did you do in your youth that you don't do now?
16. Is this where you thought you'd be?
17. Do you enjoy yourself more now?
18. What do you wish you can do?
19. Who are role models for old people?
20. How often do you think about your health?
21. How often do you think about dying?
22. What is it like to not do stuff on your own?
23. How active are old people?
SOURCES: Visiting Nurse Service of New York, New York City; March 9, 2006, U.S. National Institute on Aging report, 65+ in the United States: 2005, Mia Oberlink, project director, AdvantAge Initiative,
1.What percent of older Americans are healthy?
Older Americans are healthier, with 19.7 percent suffering from a disability in 1999, versus 26.2 percent in 1982. Still, in Census 2000, some 14 million people 65 and older reported some level of disability, most of it related to chronic conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, arthritis or respiratory disorders. About 80 percent of seniors have at least one chronic health condition, and 50 percent have at least two. The percentage of obese elderly Americans continues to expand, with about 33 percent of men and 39 percent of women considered obese in 1999-2000, up from 24 percent and 27 percent, respectively, in 1988-94.
2.At what age are you considered old? 50-65s
3.What percent live in poverty?
The proportion of Americans 65 and older living in poverty declined from 35 percent in 1959 to 10 percent in 2003, largely because of the safety net of Social Security.
4.What percent are divorced?
Changes in family structure, specifically more divorce, fewer children and more stepchildren, may mean less family support for this older segment of the population. In 1960, 1.6 percent of older men and 1.5 percent of older women were divorced. By 2003, 7 percent of older men and 8.6 percent of older women were divorced and had stayed single.
Fairly Objective
5. What percent of old people live with their family?
6. What percent work for money?
7.What percent volunteer?
8.What percent are in good shape?
9.What percent is depressed?
10.What percent are happy?
11.What percent live with their families?
Subjective
12. How bad is it in nursing homes?
13. How often do your families visit?
14. What do you do now that you didn't do in your youth?
15. What did you do in your youth that you don't do now?
16. Is this where you thought you'd be?
17. Do you enjoy yourself more now?
18. What do you wish you can do?
19. Who are role models for old people?
20. How often do you think about your health?
21. How often do you think about dying?
22. What is it like to not do stuff on your own?
23. How active are old people?
SOURCES: Visiting Nurse Service of New York, New York City; March 9, 2006, U.S. National Institute on Aging report, 65+ in the United States: 2005, Mia Oberlink, project director, AdvantAge Initiative,
Sunday, February 8, 2009
What do I think of Old People?
My feelings for old people don't differ all that much from my feelings of any other person. To me, they're just people. Some are cranky, some are nice, very talkative, but endearing. In my culture family is very important, so they have a very active role in the family and people take care of them. The ones I know are very nice, they have a lot to say on many topics. But it varies really, I can't recall any really grumpy ones because the ones I've had close interactions with don't tend to be like that or maybe I just don't notice grumpiness unless its very extreme. I can feel empathy for them, because some of them seem lonely. That's a really sad feeling to experience so I don't mind it when they talk. I enjoy listening anyways.
This makes me seem pretty nonchalant about my experiences and I guess I am. I interact with them somewhat often. More so with people my age because I spend most of my time in school. So there aren't many opportunities to in my daily life. I talk to my grandparents on the phone. My grandma has so far made her own wine and when I asked her about it, she explained how she fermented the grapes in jars and that its easy to do. She seemed proud to have done it herself. She's the kind of grandma who tells you to button your coat on a cold day and cooks healthy tasting food. Hmm my overall my current feelings of old people are positive.
This makes me seem pretty nonchalant about my experiences and I guess I am. I interact with them somewhat often. More so with people my age because I spend most of my time in school. So there aren't many opportunities to in my daily life. I talk to my grandparents on the phone. My grandma has so far made her own wine and when I asked her about it, she explained how she fermented the grapes in jars and that its easy to do. She seemed proud to have done it herself. She's the kind of grandma who tells you to button your coat on a cold day and cooks healthy tasting food. Hmm my overall my current feelings of old people are positive.
Folk Messages from Older Gen cont.
Family brunch in queens, grandpa, translated into english. (note: ...The word important is used instead of meaningful since I wasn't sure how to translate that in chinese)
M: Hi Grandpa, Are you doing good?
G: Yes, Doing great
M: Can I ask you a few questions for my history class?
G: Sure
M: What do you think is important in life?
G: What do you think is important in life. that's what you have to find out yourself.
M: *laughs* I'm supposed to find out your opinion
G: Health, and taking care of yourself is important, then you can take care of others
M: What else do you think is important?
G: Family is important and doing working hard, take time to enjoy your life
M: Has your perspective changed over time?
G: No, it's just developed
M: Do you think your life is good?
G: Yes, It's good, I'm grateful for what I have. Eat slow (this phrase in chinese is to say enjoy your food and savor it)
M: Okay thanks for answering my questions
G: *Smiles and nods and moves on to next table to chat*
Mom-40sish-Jennifer. around 7:00 home manhattan
M: Hi mom
J: Hi
M: Can I ask you some questions for class?
J: Sure, what class is this?
M: History, What do you think is meaningful in life
J: Love yourself. because if you love yourself first you'll be capable of loving other people. I didn't use to know, I'm still learning.
M: What do you think is important in life?
J: Family and friends of course
M: How have people's values changed since you were younger?
J: Everyone looks forward. Before they didn't have alot so they didn't expect alot. Now the more people have the more they expect.
M: Do you think people are happier now or back then?
J: Now. I think people have more oppurtunity than before to create a better life for themselves. Back then there was not enough, now there is more chance and oppurtunity.
M: How do you think the world has changed?
J: Everything is computerized. You can find out anything at home, by looking it up. Knowledge is at the tip of your fingers. Back then you couldn't do that. More oppurtunities have also opened up for women, they have more choices for work and jobs. It was very difficult back then.
Double interview Kathrine and Dorthy, separated (Kathrin's part has had one part added to it)
Kathrine's Part
M:Can I ask you some questions for my history class? It’s kind of like a philosophy class.
K: Sure go ahead
M: Do you think people are happier now or do you think times were happier back then?
K: Well, I don't think there is exactly a happier now or then. I think this is what you know. Our reality is a lot different from yours. We didn't grow up with this stuff, for you its always been here. We didn't have computers or those texting things *does finger motion*. This is the way things are for you.
M: How do you think the world has changed? In what ways has the world changed?
K: Well we now have all this technology, and it makes things more convenient. I mean, now you can call someone from your cell phone to check in on what block you're meeting them at. It makes things alot simpler.
M: How have people's values changed?
K: Well, We want to buy things all the time. My sister walked into a store and things were 60-70% off and she said "OH, I have to have this." and then I said, "But do you need this?" and then she said "But its so cheap, its a bargain." But do you really need that you know? She had just gotten a personal consultant to clean up her walk in closet. I think now people will realize that and start to value money more and save more now because of the recession. I don't think it has impacted young people because they don't have to retire soon that's still far off for them.
M: What do you find meaningful? and do you think you live a good and meaningful life?
K: What is meaningful? Friends and Family, Following your dream, your passion. I enjoy my job, and I think that's important, do what makes you happy. I think its important to think, and still be open to learning, because we can always learn more things. So, Yes I do think I am living meaningful life.
K: When I get older, I don't are if my legs give out or my arms, I just want to still have my mind.
Dorthy's Part
M: Can I ask you some questions for my history class? It’s kind of like a philosophy class.
D: Alright
M: Do you think people are happier now or do you think times were happier back then?/How have times changed?
D: Like back then we didn't have computers, when I worked we had to use index cards to keep track of everything. It’s all about adaptability and I chose not to adapt. I say choose so I don't sound like a goon who doesn't know how things work. I mean I don't have a computer even now, I have a cell phone but I don't use it, heck, I don't even know my own number. I got a digital camera but I still don't know how to use it. We used to have cassettes too but that got replaced by this digital thing, sometimes I think things are changing too fast. I had VHS too and now I can't use it anymore.
M: How do you think the world has changed? In what ways has the world changed?
D: Do you mean a Historic perspective?
M: Sure
D:I didn't live through the Cold War exactly but at my school we had to do drills for in case an atomic bomb would come from Vietnam plane. A bell would ring and all the kids would have to go underneath a table and put our arms over our head. People were building their own dugouts in their backyard and stocking up on food. Now we have this recession and the housing downturn. We had one back then too.
M: How have people's values changed?
D: I try not to buy as many things, when I walk into a store and I see a sale, I think what a bargain, but then I ask myself do I really need this? Do I want to put this on my credit card or leave that space for something I need more? and I don't buy it. So I've been able to stop myself from doing things like that. I stll haven't gotten off Amazon yet, that site has alot of cheap things. But I buy used things now instead of new.
M: What do you find meaningful? and do you think you live a good and meaningful life?
D: Oh philosophy
M: *laughs* Yes, that's the philosophical part of it
D: Well, "Do unto others" is what I have been brought up with, so I live by that. I'm not perfect, but I try not to screw people over. Sometimes when people say things that make me pissed off I might get snappy, but then at night, I try to reconcile with myself, which is not to say I don't do it again. I would say that generally I'm happy, though the economy is making me stressed out. I want to have paid off all my credit cards, and though I don't have a mortgage I took out a loan to fix up the house. I think I'll have to work 8 more years before I can retire, *makes face*. I have a friend that has been saving up and every time she got her paycheck she would put it away to her 401k, and now she has 300,000.
D: Yeah, she just got in the habit. She has a husband and kids and she's still able to do the same things other people can, like dinner or whatever and that's what you have to learn to do. Save up a nest egg for yourself.
M: *nods*
D: Yes, thats why I go to meetings to learn new things. Even if you don't want to go to college or school, you still have to be open to learning new things.
D: If I could do one thing back from when I was younger, I would go to college. I had European parents, so they were like what does a girl need a education for? You're going to get married and then its wasted. I would've said ---?forgot?---- well not not like because you don't talk to your parents like that but I would have been more insistant. So go to school when your at your age because you have the momentum. Also start saving now.
M: Hi Grandpa, Are you doing good?
G: Yes, Doing great
M: Can I ask you a few questions for my history class?
G: Sure
M: What do you think is important in life?
G: What do you think is important in life. that's what you have to find out yourself.
M: *laughs* I'm supposed to find out your opinion
G: Health, and taking care of yourself is important, then you can take care of others
M: What else do you think is important?
G: Family is important and doing working hard, take time to enjoy your life
M: Has your perspective changed over time?
G: No, it's just developed
M: Do you think your life is good?
G: Yes, It's good, I'm grateful for what I have. Eat slow (this phrase in chinese is to say enjoy your food and savor it)
M: Okay thanks for answering my questions
G: *Smiles and nods and moves on to next table to chat*
Mom-40sish-Jennifer. around 7:00 home manhattan
M: Hi mom
J: Hi
M: Can I ask you some questions for class?
J: Sure, what class is this?
M: History, What do you think is meaningful in life
J: Love yourself. because if you love yourself first you'll be capable of loving other people. I didn't use to know, I'm still learning.
M: What do you think is important in life?
J: Family and friends of course
M: How have people's values changed since you were younger?
J: Everyone looks forward. Before they didn't have alot so they didn't expect alot. Now the more people have the more they expect.
M: Do you think people are happier now or back then?
J: Now. I think people have more oppurtunity than before to create a better life for themselves. Back then there was not enough, now there is more chance and oppurtunity.
M: How do you think the world has changed?
J: Everything is computerized. You can find out anything at home, by looking it up. Knowledge is at the tip of your fingers. Back then you couldn't do that. More oppurtunities have also opened up for women, they have more choices for work and jobs. It was very difficult back then.
Double interview Kathrine and Dorthy, separated (Kathrin's part has had one part added to it)
Kathrine's Part
M:Can I ask you some questions for my history class? It’s kind of like a philosophy class.
K: Sure go ahead
M: Do you think people are happier now or do you think times were happier back then?
K: Well, I don't think there is exactly a happier now or then. I think this is what you know. Our reality is a lot different from yours. We didn't grow up with this stuff, for you its always been here. We didn't have computers or those texting things *does finger motion*. This is the way things are for you.
M: How do you think the world has changed? In what ways has the world changed?
K: Well we now have all this technology, and it makes things more convenient. I mean, now you can call someone from your cell phone to check in on what block you're meeting them at. It makes things alot simpler.
M: How have people's values changed?
K: Well, We want to buy things all the time. My sister walked into a store and things were 60-70% off and she said "OH, I have to have this." and then I said, "But do you need this?" and then she said "But its so cheap, its a bargain." But do you really need that you know? She had just gotten a personal consultant to clean up her walk in closet. I think now people will realize that and start to value money more and save more now because of the recession. I don't think it has impacted young people because they don't have to retire soon that's still far off for them.
M: What do you find meaningful? and do you think you live a good and meaningful life?
K: What is meaningful? Friends and Family, Following your dream, your passion. I enjoy my job, and I think that's important, do what makes you happy. I think its important to think, and still be open to learning, because we can always learn more things. So, Yes I do think I am living meaningful life.
K: When I get older, I don't are if my legs give out or my arms, I just want to still have my mind.
Dorthy's Part
M: Can I ask you some questions for my history class? It’s kind of like a philosophy class.
D: Alright
M: Do you think people are happier now or do you think times were happier back then?/How have times changed?
D: Like back then we didn't have computers, when I worked we had to use index cards to keep track of everything. It’s all about adaptability and I chose not to adapt. I say choose so I don't sound like a goon who doesn't know how things work. I mean I don't have a computer even now, I have a cell phone but I don't use it, heck, I don't even know my own number. I got a digital camera but I still don't know how to use it. We used to have cassettes too but that got replaced by this digital thing, sometimes I think things are changing too fast. I had VHS too and now I can't use it anymore.
M: How do you think the world has changed? In what ways has the world changed?
D: Do you mean a Historic perspective?
M: Sure
D:I didn't live through the Cold War exactly but at my school we had to do drills for in case an atomic bomb would come from Vietnam plane. A bell would ring and all the kids would have to go underneath a table and put our arms over our head. People were building their own dugouts in their backyard and stocking up on food. Now we have this recession and the housing downturn. We had one back then too.
M: How have people's values changed?
D: I try not to buy as many things, when I walk into a store and I see a sale, I think what a bargain, but then I ask myself do I really need this? Do I want to put this on my credit card or leave that space for something I need more? and I don't buy it. So I've been able to stop myself from doing things like that. I stll haven't gotten off Amazon yet, that site has alot of cheap things. But I buy used things now instead of new.
M: What do you find meaningful? and do you think you live a good and meaningful life?
D: Oh philosophy
M: *laughs* Yes, that's the philosophical part of it
D: Well, "Do unto others" is what I have been brought up with, so I live by that. I'm not perfect, but I try not to screw people over. Sometimes when people say things that make me pissed off I might get snappy, but then at night, I try to reconcile with myself, which is not to say I don't do it again. I would say that generally I'm happy, though the economy is making me stressed out. I want to have paid off all my credit cards, and though I don't have a mortgage I took out a loan to fix up the house. I think I'll have to work 8 more years before I can retire, *makes face*. I have a friend that has been saving up and every time she got her paycheck she would put it away to her 401k, and now she has 300,000.
D: Yeah, she just got in the habit. She has a husband and kids and she's still able to do the same things other people can, like dinner or whatever and that's what you have to learn to do. Save up a nest egg for yourself.
M: *nods*
D: Yes, thats why I go to meetings to learn new things. Even if you don't want to go to college or school, you still have to be open to learning new things.
D: If I could do one thing back from when I was younger, I would go to college. I had European parents, so they were like what does a girl need a education for? You're going to get married and then its wasted. I would've said ---?forgot?---- well not not like because you don't talk to your parents like that but I would have been more insistant. So go to school when your at your age because you have the momentum. Also start saving now.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Transcript- Folk Messages from an Older Generation
I asked this during some time into lunch during my internship to Kathrine (60s) and to Dorothy (62). Kathrine owns incubator kitchens and helps start up entrepreneurs, Dorothy is an accountant and works in the food industry. (This transcript is the gist of our conversation, I didn't have a tape recorder or recording devices (sadly) and used my notebook, so while not exactly as they said it, it’s what they had said.)
M: Can I ask you some questions for my history class? It’s kind of like a philosophy class.
K: Sure go ahead
D: Alright
M: Do you think people are happier now or do you think times were happier back then?
K: Well, I don't think there is exactly a happier now or then. I think this is what you know. Our reality is a lot different from yours. We didn't grow up with this stuff, for you its always been here. We didn't have computers or those texting things *does finger motion*. This is the way things are for you.
D: Like back then we didn't have computers, when I worked we had to use index cards to keep track of everything. It’s all about adaptability and I chose not to adapt. I say choose so I don't sound like a goon who doesn't know how things work. I mean I don't have a computer even now, I have a cell phone but I don't use it, heck, I don't even know my own number. I got a digital camera but I still don't know how to use it. We used to have cassettes too but that got replaced by this digital thing, sometimes I think things are changing too fast. I had VHS too and now I can't use it anymore.
M: How do you think the world has changed? In what ways has the world changed?
K: Well we now have all this technology, and it makes things more convenient. I mean, now you can call someone from your cell phone to check in on what block you're meeting them at. It makes things alot simpler.
D: Do you mean a Historic perspective?
M: Sure
D:I didn't live through the Cold War exactly but at my school we had to do drills for in case an atomic bomb would come from Vietnam plane. A bell would ring and all the kids would have to go underneath a table and put our arms over our head. People were building their own dugouts in their backyard and stocking up on food. Now we have this recession and the housing downturn. We had one back then too.
K: But not the housing downturn because the way people buy houses now have changed.
M: How have people's values changed?
K: Well, We want to buy things all the time. My sister walked into a store and things were 60-70% off and she said "OH, I have to have this." and then I said, "But do you need this?" and then she said "But its so cheap, its a bargain." But do you really need that you know? She had just gotten a personal consultant to clean up her walk in closet.
M: Wow
D: A walk-in closet, huh. I know what you mean. I try not to buy as many things, when I walk into a store and I see a sale, I think what a bargain, but then I ask myself do I really need this? Do I want to put this on my credit card or leave that space for something I need more? and I don't buy it. So I've been able to stop myself from doing things like that. I stll haven't gotten off Amazon yet, that site has alot of cheap things. But I buy used things now instead of new.
M: What do you find meaningful? and do you think you live a good and meaningful life?
D: Oh philosophy
M: *laughs* Yes, that's the philosophical part of it
D: Well you go first Kathrine, I've been running my mouth off
K: What is meaningful? Friends and Family, Following your dream, your passion. I enjoy my job, and I think that's important, do what makes you happy. I think its important to think, and still be open to learning, because we can always learn more things. So, Yes I do think I am living meaningful life.
D: Well, "Do unto others" is what I have been brought up with, so I live by that. I'm not perfect, but I try not to screw people over. Sometimes when people say things that make me pissed off I might get snappy, but then at night, I try to reconcile with myself, which is not to say I don't do it again. I would say that generally I'm happy, though the economy is making me stressed out. I want to have paid off all my credit cards, and though I don't have a mortgage I took out a loan to fix up the house. I think I'll have to work 8 more years before I can retire, *makes face*. I have a friend that has been saving up and every time she got her paycheck she would put it away to her 401k, and now she has 300,000.
K: Wow
D: Yeah, she just got in the habit. She has a husband and kids and she's still able to do the same things other people can, like dinner or whatever and that's what you have to learn to do. Save up a nest egg for yourself.
M: *nods*
K: When I get older, I don't are if my legs give out or my arms, I just want to still have my mind.
D: Yes, thats why I go to meetings to learn new things. Even if you don't want to go to college or school, you still have to be open to learning new things.
D: If I could do one thing back from when I was younger, I would go to college. I had European parents, so they were like what does a girl need a education for? You're going to get married and then its wasted. I would've said ---?forgot?---- well not not like because you don't talk to your parents like that but I would have been more insistant. So go to school when your at your age because you have the momentum. Also start saving now.
Off topic moment
D: I went to college when I was 25, I worked in an "intensive cooking course" After that I was the head cook for two weeks.
M: Did you like it?
D: I HATED it. I had to cook from the basement. No oven, no dishwasher, no nothing. I had to take it upstairs, quit after two weeks.
M: Can I ask you some questions for my history class? It’s kind of like a philosophy class.
K: Sure go ahead
D: Alright
M: Do you think people are happier now or do you think times were happier back then?
K: Well, I don't think there is exactly a happier now or then. I think this is what you know. Our reality is a lot different from yours. We didn't grow up with this stuff, for you its always been here. We didn't have computers or those texting things *does finger motion*. This is the way things are for you.
D: Like back then we didn't have computers, when I worked we had to use index cards to keep track of everything. It’s all about adaptability and I chose not to adapt. I say choose so I don't sound like a goon who doesn't know how things work. I mean I don't have a computer even now, I have a cell phone but I don't use it, heck, I don't even know my own number. I got a digital camera but I still don't know how to use it. We used to have cassettes too but that got replaced by this digital thing, sometimes I think things are changing too fast. I had VHS too and now I can't use it anymore.
M: How do you think the world has changed? In what ways has the world changed?
K: Well we now have all this technology, and it makes things more convenient. I mean, now you can call someone from your cell phone to check in on what block you're meeting them at. It makes things alot simpler.
D: Do you mean a Historic perspective?
M: Sure
D:I didn't live through the Cold War exactly but at my school we had to do drills for in case an atomic bomb would come from Vietnam plane. A bell would ring and all the kids would have to go underneath a table and put our arms over our head. People were building their own dugouts in their backyard and stocking up on food. Now we have this recession and the housing downturn. We had one back then too.
K: But not the housing downturn because the way people buy houses now have changed.
M: How have people's values changed?
K: Well, We want to buy things all the time. My sister walked into a store and things were 60-70% off and she said "OH, I have to have this." and then I said, "But do you need this?" and then she said "But its so cheap, its a bargain." But do you really need that you know? She had just gotten a personal consultant to clean up her walk in closet.
M: Wow
D: A walk-in closet, huh. I know what you mean. I try not to buy as many things, when I walk into a store and I see a sale, I think what a bargain, but then I ask myself do I really need this? Do I want to put this on my credit card or leave that space for something I need more? and I don't buy it. So I've been able to stop myself from doing things like that. I stll haven't gotten off Amazon yet, that site has alot of cheap things. But I buy used things now instead of new.
M: What do you find meaningful? and do you think you live a good and meaningful life?
D: Oh philosophy
M: *laughs* Yes, that's the philosophical part of it
D: Well you go first Kathrine, I've been running my mouth off
K: What is meaningful? Friends and Family, Following your dream, your passion. I enjoy my job, and I think that's important, do what makes you happy. I think its important to think, and still be open to learning, because we can always learn more things. So, Yes I do think I am living meaningful life.
D: Well, "Do unto others" is what I have been brought up with, so I live by that. I'm not perfect, but I try not to screw people over. Sometimes when people say things that make me pissed off I might get snappy, but then at night, I try to reconcile with myself, which is not to say I don't do it again. I would say that generally I'm happy, though the economy is making me stressed out. I want to have paid off all my credit cards, and though I don't have a mortgage I took out a loan to fix up the house. I think I'll have to work 8 more years before I can retire, *makes face*. I have a friend that has been saving up and every time she got her paycheck she would put it away to her 401k, and now she has 300,000.
K: Wow
D: Yeah, she just got in the habit. She has a husband and kids and she's still able to do the same things other people can, like dinner or whatever and that's what you have to learn to do. Save up a nest egg for yourself.
M: *nods*
K: When I get older, I don't are if my legs give out or my arms, I just want to still have my mind.
D: Yes, thats why I go to meetings to learn new things. Even if you don't want to go to college or school, you still have to be open to learning new things.
D: If I could do one thing back from when I was younger, I would go to college. I had European parents, so they were like what does a girl need a education for? You're going to get married and then its wasted. I would've said ---?forgot?---- well not not like because you don't talk to your parents like that but I would have been more insistant. So go to school when your at your age because you have the momentum. Also start saving now.
Off topic moment
D: I went to college when I was 25, I worked in an "intensive cooking course" After that I was the head cook for two weeks.
M: Did you like it?
D: I HATED it. I had to cook from the basement. No oven, no dishwasher, no nothing. I had to take it upstairs, quit after two weeks.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
5 questions to ask old people
1. How's life?/ What have you been up to?
2. Do you find this part of your life more or less meaningful than when you were younger?
3. What makes you think that way?
4. How has the world changed since you've been born? Do you think the overall change has been negative or positive? In what ways?
5.Are you happier? Do you feel more fulfilled at this point in your life?
Do you have any thoughts/advice to pass on to me for my life?
2. Do you find this part of your life more or less meaningful than when you were younger?
3. What makes you think that way?
4. How has the world changed since you've been born? Do you think the overall change has been negative or positive? In what ways?
5.Are you happier? Do you feel more fulfilled at this point in your life?
Do you have any thoughts/advice to pass on to me for my life?
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