Students & Seniors: Similarities and Differences in their Lives

I decided to compare and contrast the elderly and college students, not to show ageism, but to see the similarities and differences in their lives. To observe students I went to Ventura College and to elderly home observed how both groups interacted in certain areas I concentrated on transportation, workforce, friendships, dependency, and time management, their lifestyles, dress style, diet, education and attitude towards life.

I started my research in the parking lot of Ventura College. I wanted to see the student’s transportation. I notice that most of their vehicles where older models with chipped, sun-baked paint, and had minor dents or scratches. Next, I asked students if they had a job and if so what kind a work they did Most of the students said they where unemployed, but the ones who did work said they worked at restaurants, grocery stores, and retail stores. I also wanted to know the average income this was a little more challenging because most of them were not willing to discuss how much they made. In my research I found that the average income for students was around $25,000 a year.

Next, I ask them about their housing situation. Do they rent an apartment; live with parents or roommates, and weather they lived in a house or an apartment? The students I surveyed said they were either living with their parents or roommates. It seemed like most students have a hard time living in an apartment by themselves because rent is to high. Another hard topic to ask about was whether they depend on someone or where independent. Students I asked said they were either somewhat dependence on their friends or their parents. Most students are dependent on their parents’ income and housing to meet their needs as they are going to coll...

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...habby clothes to fresh new clothes. The men I surveyed wore nice clothes button down shirts, sport jacket, slacks, nice shoe, as for the women they wore nice flower patterned dresses or other fancy clothing when asked about diet the seniors said they mainly eat healthy food such fruits, vegetables, and lean meat like chicken or fish. Though some preferred meat and potatoes. Next, I asked the elderly people about their education, though most said they finished college and had earned a degree, some were not able to finish or attended college because they either took over their family’s business or were drafted into the military. Only a few said they were not able to attended college because of financial reasons. Finally, I asked them about their attitude towards life. All of them seem to be happy to be alive and proud of what they had accomplished in their lives.