Qualitative Interviewing of Older Persons

Interviewing older persons requires specific attention to a number of age-related issues. These may include changes in cognitive processes, hearing and seeing impairments, and other health issues but also a different pace of life or increased tiredness. In addition, older persons have a lifetime of experience from which they can draw. Paying careful attention to these aspects when interviewing older persons can increase rapport and trust and consequently enhance the depth of these interviews. This entry outlines some ways in which interviewers can accomplish such depth. Instead of focusing on general methodological interview procedures and skills, this entry focuses on the more subtle level of views, attitude, and reflective openness.