But You're an Introvert!: Senior's Guide to Family Concerns About Social Interaction
Over the years, the human species has always worked together, interacted, and relied on each other on a day-to-day basis to survive. This is how various societies keep moving forward; The community you grow in actually even shapes your personality. However, with time, the risks of isolation often increase as one becomes more immobile and loses their companions and peers. This has emotional consequences, but one rarely notices how it also influences an older person's physical health. To combat this, address the isolation by helping your Lexington elderly loved one find new ways to increase their social interaction.
But what should you do if your loved one is an introvert? This post outlines how you can address such a case. But first, how important is social interaction to an elderly individual?
The Health Importance of Social Interaction
It Improves Mental Health
Often, older persons feel alone as they watch their spouses pass away or family members grow and move away to build their own families or focus on their careers. They could endure a short-interval time apart from others; however, extended periods of no interactions may have a drastic negative impact on their mental health. For instance, an older loved one may experience depression (persons aged 65 years or above are more susceptible) because of the isolation.
However, you can help them avoid or slow down this issue by having them connect with others more often. As they see age mates, share their life experiences (stranger or not), and have chats about old times, they may get a sense of belonging. This regular social interaction will help thwart depression, loneliness, and poor mental health.
It Slows Dementia Effects
A social interaction hugely affects the brain's gray matter in size and health. Any change in the gray matter is associated with memory-related illnesses, for instance, Alzheimer's. This means having your elderly loved one take part in social engagements can significantly slow down any proceeds of such conditions.
It Improves Physical Health
Some social interactions can happen as people walk, and this keeps the older person active. For instance, you can have them spend time with grandkids. Naturally, kids are active, and as the older person engages them, they will likely have to stay more physically active.
How To Handle an Introverted Elder Love One
Most people mistake introverts for individuals that are antisocial or who lack social skills, which is wrong. In simple terms, introverts only have a distinct style of social interaction compared to extroverts. They often talk less and listen more, are more attentive, and rarely interrupt when others speak.
Besides, they may just respond/talk and look away when you talk to them and prefer not to say anything over engaging in insignificant topics. However, they can also engage incessantly when the topic interests them, but again, they dislike interruptions.
Sometimes, it is hard to understand what an introverted older individual wants. However, do not push them to social interaction limits they cannot handle. Instead:
- Have chats and listen to their needs and interests
- Encourage them to be creative: Most introverted older persons enjoy art (drawing, writing, playing instruments, etc.). Also, encourage them to join piano, drawing, or piano classes.
- Appreciate their need for solitary space: You can do this by offering them the supplies and activities they can do during that time. You can also play them some good music that they resonate with. This might bring back happy memories.
Get Your Loved the Kind of Elderly Care they Deserve
At Senior Helpers Lexington, we offer personalized in-home senior care. Whether your elder loved one has Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, dementia, or any other condition, we can tailor our home care services to their favor. Contact us today to know how we can help the elderly one in your family.