But You're and Introvert! Senior's Guide to Family Concerns About Social Interaction
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But You're and Introvert! Senior's Guide to Family Concerns About Social Interaction

But You're and Introvert! Senior's Guide to Family Concerns About Social Interaction

Social connections and interaction are important for people of all ages, including seniors. Even for those that are more introverted, the importance of interacting with others remains steadfast. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) interacting with others can help to improve cognitive function, boost the immune system, increase physical and mental function, and boost overall wellness. This is important for people of all ages but can be especially so for seniors. Knowing how to help seniors, especially introverts, maintain and engage in social interaction in a positive and safe manner can sometimes be a challenge. Senior Helpers of Asheville is here to help both seniors, and their caretakers, with everyday life at home, including things such as developing and engaging in various social interactions. Their in-depth, comprehensive array of services is sure to help support aging in place in a positive manner.

Social Interactions and Family Concerns

Before delving into the positive effects of social interaction, it is advantageous to be aware that most families have concerns about their seniors and social interaction. There are many reasons that seniors may choose to cut back on their social engagements, including health concerns, personal challenges, and of course being an introvert by nature.  That being said, finding a balance between the personality and needs of the senior and the thoughts of the caring family is very important. Some of the concerns families have regarding social interaction and their senior include the following:

  • They are concerned their senior will feel isolated or will isolate themselves purposely.
  • They worry about cognitive decline in the absence of other people mentally stimulating their loved ones with conversation.
  • Depression is always a concern for all loved ones and isolation from social interaction can contribute to depression or make depression worse.
  • Physical decline is another concern families have. Often times social interaction stimulates the mind, which enables the body, and can positively contribute to their loved one engaging in more physical, positive movement.

Asheville is a beautiful city with many excellent opportunities, such as parks and cafes, for seniors to engage with their friends and families. In addition, most of the year, residents enjoy amazing weather that is conducive to sitting outside with a friend and chatting or playing cards. Senior Helpers of Asheville is happy to help both the senior and their family identify positive ways to enjoy social interaction.

Suggestions for Social Interactions for Introverts

Social interactions have many positive effects on the physical and mental health of all people, including seniors. Social interactions, however, can be a bit more challenging when an individual is introverted. On the other hand, thanks to technology and good home care, like the care Senior Helpers of Asheville provides, engaging in social interaction can be an intriguing and enjoyable experience, even for the most introverted of people. Some suggestions for activities for introverted seniors include the following:

  • Bird keeping - Birds are (for the most part) inexpensive and low-maintenance. Small birds, such as parakeets, are great company and love to interact with people. For someone who is extremely introverted, this is a great way to start interacting with something. In addition, having a bird, or any pet can help be a conduit to a connection with other people who also may love birds, or whatever pet is chosen.
  • Mobile or community library - Mobile and Community libraries are an excellent way to start interacting with others who love to read and love literature on a person's own terms. Interaction can start with a five-minute conversation over a book and develop into coffee, or even a book club, which is a great level of social interaction that allows the senior to ease into it at their own pace.
  • Online games - This option is for the more technologically savvy senior, and it allows for people to interact and engage with others while still keeping a comfortable and safe distance. It is imperative to make sure the website is legitimate and safe, of course, and then the sky becomes the limit for games such as chess, checkers, and even card games.
  • Baking with friends and family - Sometimes remembering that friends and family may be the ones in need of interaction can help motivate a loved one to reach out and come out of their comfort zone. Knowing a good friend has been feeling down, or a grandchild needs help baking for the school bake sale, can be a great way to engage in social interaction while still honoring the introvert in a loved one.

Nearby Hendersonville also has a variety of parks, outdoor cafes, libraries, and any number of facilities that enable seniors, and their families, to increase their social interaction in a manner that is positive and comfortable for everyone involved.

How Can Senior Helpers of Asheville Help?

Senior Helpers of Asheville provides a plethora of services to enable positive aging in place for your loved one and you. The knowledgeable, skilled, and caring team can help offers suggestions and implement options to help a senior increase their level of social interaction in a manner that is comfortable and engaging for them. Contact Senior Helpers of Asheville today to find out how they can help you and your family.