Senior Interview

Crystal D. Clay
Social Work 5720

Mr. James Roberts

Description

Mr. Roberts was born in 1930 and identifies an an African-American

male. He is a widower and has five children, twenty-six grandchildren
and four great-grandchildren. For our meeting he presented well
dressed and color coordinate; in casual clothing consisting of burnt
orange cashmere sweater, brown and cream checkered shirt, and
bow-tie with brown corduroy paints. Additionally, Mr. Roberts outer
wear meets the current cold weather conditions- felt hat, heavy lined
leather jacket, gloves and appropriate leather shoes with rubber
bottom. However, he appears frail due to his current physical small
stature and requires walking cane to assist his mobility.
Additionally, Mr. Roberts uses a hearing aid to improve his hearing
and listening ability. Further Mr. Roberts lives an independent life.
He drives without restriction and currently lives alone.

Mr. Roberts home is large, beautifully decorated and without

clutter. There are pictures on the wall and placed around the home
of family members, and famous jazz musicians played he played
with over the years and, musical instruments; including a grand piano
which he will happily play for visitors. Additionally there are fresh
flowers all around.

During the interview, Mr. Roberts shared

stories of his life as a husband, father,
musician and as a worker in the
automotive industry. Additionally, he
disclosed his feelings concerning his
wife's of sixty-two years passing last
year, unexpectedly and due to cancer.
Mr.. Roberts discloses feeling grief,
however, understands death as a natural
part of the life-course. He has no
trepidation regarding living his life
without his long-time partner. Further, he
feels secure and assured his children and
adult grand-children will assist him in
times of need.

Mr. Roberts attributes his lifes

successes to the value he places in
his relationship with God, family, and
friends. He is an active volunteer
(visits senior facility weekly to visit
persons without family) participates
in social activities (card playing clubspades and Bidwist), goes to church
weekly and lastly, continues to
devote time to civic organization
(NAACP).

Mr. Roberts has and still enjoys his life. He appears to have no known
stressors to impede his mental health. He is satisfied with his current
state and looks forward to the future. Additionally, Mr. Roberts feels
privileged to be able to live independently and views and accepts his
current physical limitations as a minor part of the aging process.
Overall, Mr. Roberts counts his physical and mental, as well as his
family support and financial stability as a blessing.

This writer's involvement during the interview was an enjoyable

experience. However, there were times direct questions are required
to gain information from Mr. Roberts and often the skill of furthering
(gently),was needed as well to remain on topic. The experienced
illuminated a need to view seniors as individuals and not
monolithically. Each senior has a unique and valuable life of
experiences to share. Further, as one ages, they do not lose their
humanness. Humanness expands and evolves with every stage of
life.

Resources
Roberts, J. (2016, November 19).Senior Interview. (C. Clay, Interviewer)
Westland, Michigan, United States of America