Get ready…the holidays are here! Though there are plenty of people who flourish on the frantic pace of parties and celebrations, a senior who is introverted may cringe at the thought of stepping outside of their comfort zone and into more large-scale social obligations. It may simply boil down to one main difference: extroversion vs. introversion. And it is essential to know which classification the seniors in your life lean more towards, so you can make sure of the best type of socialization to help them feel most comfortable.
What’s the Difference Between Extroverts and Introverts?
The simple fact is none of us are fully one versus the other. Picture a continuum with introversion on one end and extroversion on the other. All of us fall at one point along that continuum. The key traits of introversion include a more reserved, quiet, and internally-focused attitude, whereas extroversion involves a more outward focus: talkative, sociable, and action-oriented.
It’s intriguing to note that psychologists believe we grow more introverted as we age, in a condition identified as “intrinsic maturation.” So just because a senior you love once fully enjoyed and drew energy from highly social functions, you may observe a shift towards feeling more self-contained and comfortable with small, intimate social scenes or even just spending more time alone.
Realizing that socializing is crucial to a senior’s health and wellness, how can you help a senior who is introverted enjoy time together with friends and relatives, not just during the holiday season, but all year long? These tips can help.
- Stay near the perimeter. Rather than encouraging the senior to be front and center in a social setting, pick a quieter area at the edge of the group, where they can chat with one or two people at a time.
- Designate a companion. Having one close and trusted family member, friend or caregiver to remain close to the person adds an amount of comfort and familiarity to what may feel like an overwhelming setting.
- Decide on a set exit time. Talk with the individual about how much time may be comfortable for visiting. If they want to stay for just an hour, for example, be sure to honor that request and be ready to leave when they are.
How Can Home Care Help?
A care professional from Serenity Home Care, the leading provider of Victoria senior care and care throughout the surrounding areas, provides the perfect opportunity for the one-on-one socialization that more introverted people need. Some of the many ways we can help include:
- Going to holiday get-togethers with the senior to ensure all of their needs are met in the most comfortable setting
- Offering companionship in the home for conversations and activities that are enjoyable for the senior
- Providing accompanied transportation to a small-group class or to learn a new pursuit they’ve always wanted to try
- And much more
Contact us at 250.590.8098 to request more tips to help a senior you love enjoy the greatest possible quality of life, and to find out how a professional caregiver can help.