Community Services - Interview with an Elderly Woman

            
             I had the opportunity to interview Mrs." DJ is a resident from my former neighborhood, whom I have known for four years. Before the interview, I informed DJ that I am currently taking a class on the " Health Aspect of Aging ", and asked if she would grant me the honor of allowing me to interview her. Without hesitation, she gladly agreed. I informed her about how long the interview would take, and she agreed to two sessions (two days). The interview took place on Monday and Wednesday between 10:00am and 12:00 noon, after DJ had eaten breakfast, and taken her medications.
             Biographic Information.
             Mrs. DJ is an 83 year old, African American lady, who was born and raised on Chicago's South side in the Chatham community. She attended Chicago State University, where she received a bachelors in business management. After completing college, she worked in the administrative department at the post office, and retired after 37 years of service. DJ is a widow, and was married to her husband whom she described as "nurturing and caring"" for over 40 years. DJ and her late husband have three beautiful children: two daughters and one son. Her official religious denomination is Baptist. However, she currently belongs to the local Catholic Church community because her formal church is " way across town " she states. She explained that while she has lived alone in the comfort of a two bedroom, town-home apartment co-op for over thirty years; she now looks to the church to provide support, guidance, and friendship. .
             Health Status.
             DJ perceives her health to be fair. Although her lifestyle has been modified due to being diagnosed with Heart Failure; she expressed that she does not let her illness interfere with her daily activities. To DJ, being healthy is " being able to do the things that you are accustomed to doing daily. " She takes three prescription, and one over the counter medication daily. She takes: Carvedilol 20 mg, one tablet by mouth daily for Heart Failure; Furosemide 40 mg, one tablet by mouth daily for fluid overload; Metolazone 2.