Table 4.

Emergent Themes

Student Reactions to the Interview	Positive Responses	Inspirational and meaningful	“I found this assignment to be very meaningful. I believe it allowed us to see through the eyes of an older adult and see our possible futures.”
		Different than the clinical encounter	“I also found it refreshing to speak with a elderly person who is happy with their life and in very good health, rather than a patient in the hospital, with many clinical issues.”
		Misconceptions were corrected	“I learned that the older adult is more active than I originally thought.”
		Stereotypes were shattered	“It’s sometimes hard to imagine ‘old people’ being ‘functioning, normal people’, but she was that and more”
	Identified Challenges	Talking about sensitive or private topics such as death, regret or loss	“I found it most difficult hearing her speak of her deceased husband, because it was heartbreaking to hear…”
		Dual role as conversational partner and evaluator	“It (administering assessments) changed the dynamic between us because I went from a friend she could talk with, to a health professional evaluating her”
		Drawing out information or keeping the interview on track	“The hardest part of the interview was cutting off the conversation. Mrs. S and I could have talked for hours…”
Student Perceptions of Older Adults	Strengths	Valuable	“I thought that Mrs. B’s (and her husband’s) commitment to bettering the lives of the women they provide resources for was an admirable trait…”
		Positive	“…he still has faith in making people happy and making someone else’s day, even at his age.”
		Resilient	“Her ability to regain her happiness and identity despite the loss of her husband was heartwarming”
		Family-oriented	“I admire Mr. P for his love and devotion to working hard for his money, and for his wife and his family.”
		Faith-oriented	“Her commitment to her family and her faith were unique and inspiring.”
	Vulnerabilities	Potential for depression and social isolation	“She may be at risk of depression in the future, but I feel she has the proper resources and support necessary…”
		Poor self-care	“Mrs. F is independent, well-groomed, and financially stable, but a depressed and malnourished individual…she is very unenthusiastic when it comes to herself and her care.”
	Tensions	Independence vs. Safety	“I think he is doing so well because he has found a balance between accepting help from his wife and other family members while still maintaining his independence”