Talking with people from older generations can help us see life in new ways and shed light on our journey and our community’s evolution. While your culture may have unique ways of creating connections, here are a few suggestions for structuring a conversation and learning from elders in your community.
This brief interview guide can help you gather insights from older generations, from managing emotions related to injustice to finding physical and mental health supports as you work for justice. The tips below encourage informal, meaningful conversations with elders, emphasizing ways to express gratitude, gather insights, and increase intergenerational connection and mutual respect.
1. Set the Scene
- Context: Approach elders in a setting where they feel comfortable, such as at home, a community center, family gathering, or after an event.
- Approach: Begin the conversation casually. Show genuine interest in their lives and share something personal about yourself. Mention that you’d love to hear their thoughts on a couple of questions about their life experiences.
2. Consider your questions
Here are a few example questions to help create an authentic conversation.
- “What daily habits or routines help you maintain a sense of balance, even during stressful times?”
- Explore what practices they find most effective and why they work for them.
- “When life feels overwhelming, what’s the first thing you do to regain your equilibrium?”
- Learn how they prioritize self-care in moments of stress or chaos.
- “What lessons about balance and self-care would you pass on to younger generations?”
- Discover strategies they feel can be used for generations to come to navigate the tension between self-care and external obligations.
3. Conclude with gratitude
After the elder shares their insights, offer a sincere thank you at the end of your time together. For example, you could say, “Thank you for sharing your time and wisdom with me. I really appreciate hearing about your experiences and getting your advice. It means a lot to me.”
Additional Tips
Along with those three steps, listening, being yourself and showing appreciation can help create an open, rewarding exchange. Take time to:
- Humanize the Conversation. As you listen, show empathy and understanding. Acknowledge their stories and the emotions behind them.
- Reflect. After the conversation, take a moment to reflect on what you learned and how it can apply to your own life and mental-health journey. What story or piece of advice resonated with you the most? How can you incorporate this insight or wisdom into your life and your own practices for creating balance, well-being, and resilience?
