Hold onto your hats…the holidays are here! Even though there are plenty of people who flourish on the frantic pace of celebrations and parties, there are others who balk at the idea of stepping outside of their comfort zone and into more intensive social requirements. It might simply boil down to one main distinction: introversion vs. extroversion. And it is important to know which category the seniors in your life lean more towards, so you can ensure the right type of socialization to help them feel most comfortable. In particular, it’s important to know how to help introverted seniors enjoy social time according to their own personal comfort level.
What’s the Distinction Between Extroverts and Introverts?
The truth is, none of us are fully one or the other. Imagine a continuum with introversion on one end and extroversion on the other. We all fall somewhere along that continuum. The chief characteristics of introversion include a more quiet, reserved, and internally-focused point of view, while extroversion consists of a more outward focus: sociable, talkative, and action-oriented.
It's intriguing to know that psychologists believe that we grow more introverted with time, in a condition known as “intrinsic maturation.” So even if a senior you love once fully enjoyed and drew energy from highly social functions, you may see a change towards feeling more self-contained and comfortable with smaller, more intimate social scenes or even just being alone.
Realizing that socializing is vital to a senior’s health and wellness, how can you help a more introverted individual enjoy time together with loved ones and friends, not just during the holiday season, but all year long? These strategies can help.
- Stay near the perimeter. Instead of encouraging the older adult to be front and center in a social environment, pick a quieter area at the edge of the group, where they can visit with one or two people at a time.
- Assign a buddy. Having one close and trusted family member, friend or caregiver to be near the senior adds a measure of comfort and familiarity to what may seem like an overpowering setting.
- Agree on a specified exit time. Consult with the senior about how much time may feel comfortable for socializing. If they want to stay for just an hour, for example, be sure to respect that decision and be ready to leave when they are.
How Can In-Home Care Help?
A care professional from Amy’s Helping Hands, the top provider of home care in Windsor, Ontario and the surrounding areas, offers the perfect opportunity for the one-on-one socializing that more introverted seniors need. Some of the numerous ways we can help include:
- Going to holiday gatherings with the senior to ensure all of their needs are met in the most comfortable setting
- Offering companionship at home for conversations and activities that are enjoyable for the senior
- Providing transportation and accompaniment to a small-group class or to learn a new pastime they’ve always wanted to try
- And more
Call us at 519-915-4370 to request more recommendations to help an older adult you love enjoy the best possible quality of life, and to learn how partnering with an award-winning care provider can help.
