Questions to Ask a Senior
Connect across generations with thoughtful questions that honor their life experience, wisdom, and stories while building meaningful relationships with older adults.
1What's the most important lesson life has taught you?
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What's the most important lesson life has taught you?
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Why this works
Opens up their accumulated wisdom while showing respect for their life experience and the lessons they've learned.
2What was your favorite decade and why?
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What was your favorite decade and why?
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Why this works
Creates nostalgic connection while revealing what period of their life they found most fulfilling or exciting.
3How has the world changed most since you were my age?
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How has the world changed most since you were my age?
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Why this works
Shows interest in their perspective on generational differences while gaining insight into how society has evolved.
4What advice would you give to your younger self?
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What advice would you give to your younger self?
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Why this works
Reveals their reflections on life choices and what they wish they had known earlier, offering valuable guidance.
5What's your favorite memory from your childhood?
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What's your favorite memory from your childhood?
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Why this works
Opens up personal history while creating connection through shared human experiences of growing up.
6How did you meet your spouse or partner?
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How did you meet your spouse or partner?
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Why this works
Shares their love story while revealing their values about relationships and what they consider important in life.
7What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
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What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
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Why this works
Connects to work experiences while showing how early jobs shaped their work ethic and career perspective.
8What's something you're proud of that you accomplished?
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What's something you're proud of that you accomplished?
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Why this works
Allows them to share achievements while revealing what they value most and what gives them satisfaction.
9How did you handle difficult times in your life?
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How did you handle difficult times in your life?
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Why this works
Shows interest in their resilience while gaining valuable insights into how they coped with challenges.
10What's your favorite family tradition?
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What's your favorite family tradition?
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Why this works
Opens up family values and heritage while revealing what traditions they find most meaningful to pass down.
11What's the best advice you ever received?
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What's the best advice you ever received?
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Why this works
Shares wisdom from their mentors while revealing what guidance has been most valuable to them throughout life.
12How do you stay connected with friends and family?
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How do you stay connected with friends and family?
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Why this works
Shows interest in their relationships while revealing their approach to maintaining social connections.
13What's something you wish young people understood better?
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What's something you wish young people understood better?
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Why this works
Reveals their perspective on generational differences while showing you value their insights about younger generations.
14What's your favorite way to spend a day?
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What's your favorite way to spend a day?
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Why this works
Shows interest in their current lifestyle while revealing what activities bring them joy and fulfillment.
15How has technology changed your daily life?
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How has technology changed your daily life?
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Why this works
Explores their adaptation to modern technology while understanding how they've navigated digital changes.
16What's something you're still learning or trying to improve?
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What's something you're still learning or trying to improve?
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Why this works
Shows they're still growing while revealing their current interests and areas of personal development.
17What's the most beautiful place you've ever been?
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What's the most beautiful place you've ever been?
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Why this works
Opens up travel experiences while revealing what they find beautiful and meaningful in the world.
18How do you want to be remembered?
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How do you want to be remembered?
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Why this works
Reveals their values and legacy while showing what they consider most important about their life's impact.
19What's something that always makes you smile?
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What's something that always makes you smile?
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Why this works
Lightens the conversation while revealing what brings them joy and happiness in their daily life.
20What's the most important thing you want young people to know?
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What's the most important thing you want young people to know?
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Why this works
Allows them to share their most important wisdom while showing you value their guidance for future generations.
Building Intergenerational Connections
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Show Genuine Respect
Approach conversations with respect for their life experience and wisdom. This creates a foundation of trust and openness.
Listen Actively
Give them your full attention and show interest in their stories. Many seniors have rich experiences they're eager to share with someone who truly listens.
Ask About Their Perspective
Focus on their unique viewpoint and life experience. They have wisdom that comes from decades of living that you can't get anywhere else.
Question Sequences
The Wisdom Explorer
The Life Story Journey
Common Pitfalls
Don't Make Assumptions About Technology
Don't assume they're not tech-savvy or that they need help with modern technology. Many seniors are quite capable with technology.
Avoid Patronizing Language
Don't talk down to them or use overly simple language. Treat them as the intelligent, experienced adults they are.
Don't Rush the Conversation
Give them time to think and respond. Don't rush them or finish their sentences. Let them share at their own pace.