Hold onto your hats … the holidays are here! Although there are many who thrive on the frenzied pace of parties and celebrations, there are an equal number of us who wince at the thought of going outside of our comfort zone and into more large-scale social obligations. It may simply boil down to one integral difference: introversion vs. extroversion. And it is important to know which classification the seniors in your life lean more towards, so you can ensure the best type of socialization to help them feel most comfortable. Independence-4-Seniors Home Care, a leading provider of in-home care in Riverside and the surrounding areas, has some ideas to help Introverted older adults better enjoy social events.
What’s the Difference Between Introverts and Extroverts?
The reality is none of us is 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 fundamental characteristics of introversion include a more quiet, reserved, and internally-focused perspective, while extroversion entails a more outward focus: talkative, sociable, and action-oriented.
It’s interesting to know that psychologists believe that we grow more introverted with time, in a phenomenon known as “intrinsic maturation.” So even if a senior you love once thoroughly really enjoyed and drew energy from highly social settings, you may see a change towards beginning to feel more self-contained and content with smaller, more intimate social scenes or even just being alone.
Knowing that socialization is crucial to a senior’s health and well-being, how can you help a more introverted person enjoy time together with friends and family, not just during the holidays, but all year long? These strategies can help:
- Settle into the perimeter. Rather than encouraging the senior to be front and center in a social environment, find a quieter location at the edge of the group where they can chat with one or two people at a time.
- Assign a companion. Having one close and trusted friend, family member, or caregiver to be near the senior adds an amount of comfort and familiarity to what may feel like an overpowering setting.
- Decide on a specific exit time. Talk with the individual about how much time might be comfortable for visiting. If they want to stay for just an hour, for instance, be sure to respect that decision and be prepared to leave when they are.
How Can In-Home Care Help?
A caregiver from Independence-4-Seniors Home Care offers the ideal opportunity for the one-on-one socializing that more introverted older adults need. Just a few of the numerous ways we can help include:
- Going to holiday events with the older adult to make sure all of their needs are met in the most comfortable setting.
- Providing companionship at home for discussions and activities that are enjoyable for the person.
- Offering transportation to a small-group class or to learn a new pastime they’ve always wanted to try.
- And much more.
Call us at (630) 323-4665 to find more techniques to help a senior you love enjoy the highest possible quality of life and to discover how our in-home care in Riverside and the surrounding areas can help.