

This opens the door for an essential history lesson on how people used to treat the impoverished "back when." “Was there ever a time when you couldn’t afford to eat?”Įven if an elder never faced food insecurity, he or she knew someone who did. You may even learn that an elder gave everything up to start a family.

Or maybe there was a college scholarship to play in the college orchestra. You might learn about a giant accordion on the school bus every day of the week. In fact, there was a time when the phone line had something called a party line. There was a time when there weren't cellphones, social media, or Snapchat. Maybe he or she was propelled forward by the very thing that was supposed to hold him or her back. What you may find is that the person with whom you are talking sees life as a complete journey. This question lets you find out whether an older adult was an angel or a little naughtier than that. “What was the worst trick you played on your parents?”

One, you'll find out whether he or she loved English and hated science and how that impacted a future career choice. This tells you two quick things about someone. Most parents didn't buy their kids cars at age 16, although kids today think they automatically deserve one. This question should give some perspective on riding the bus. Plus, you'll discover something called free-range parenting. This question could elicit several stories about mischief. Plus, with increasing technological advancements, those days seem more and more unrecognizable. Questions to Ask Older Adults About Their Childhood Whatever they say, you might want to hear - and heed - their advice. You may even hear difficult stories about pain, struggles, or even death, but consider asking the questions, anyway.

Questions to Ask Older People About Adulthood.Questions to Ask Older Adults About Their Childhood.Maybe you'll discover some philosophy, strange historical data, or secret revelations. Elders are a treasure trove, especially when it comes to what they have learned about life.
