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2 Chapter 3 Define
Findings Analysis & Synthesis
Introverts
Key Themes on Pockets of Purpose
Loneliness can be triggered by various events such as: experiencing Using Constant Comparative analysis method, FIVE (5) Key
the loss of a loved one or moving to a new county. Respondents in Themes on purpose were birthed. 1) Building Meaningful
this study shared the same triggers but an interesting discovery is Connections that EMPOWER: Acknowledged for life experiences
the fact that personality types affect how one cope with loneliness. It or seen as an equal e.g. grandparenting, nourishing others –
suggests that introverts are more prone to loneliness/isolation cooking/baking, spontaneous altruism, buddying-up. 2)
because relative to their extrovert counterparts, their coping Teaching Knowledge/Expertise/Skills 3) Sharing hobbies/arts 4)
behaviour when loneliness triggers makes them socially isolate Learning 5) Sharing Stories: Life Lessons/knowledge.
more. Majority who are self-proclaimed introverts reported feeling
lonelier relative to the social extroverts and the in-betweens. This
was noted particularly amongst those with less skills or less involved Ageism hinders older adults from
with any passion/hobby/skill . They also prefer one-on-one / duo or
smaller groups. engaging in social and volunteer groups
DEFINE COMMON THEMES on NEGATIVE INTERACTIONS, The two main barriers for not engaging with older adult services
tailored for them
are a) social bias associated to being old is extended to elderly
FRUSTRATIONS & CHALLENGES
groups - held negative perceptions about older people – weak,
1. Helping others fulfills them but when & where these vulnerable, needing support. Older adults avoid being stigmatized
under this label. b) social expectations that come with being a
opportunities happen are INCONSISTENT, UNPREDICTABLE group member e.g. expectations on commitments. Hence, more
or may only happen once a year (special occasions) than just service awareness itself being an issue, a bigger societal
context is at play.
2. Being deemed demanding on existing relationships
• Introverts find it hard to connect with new people. Social group leaders have likewise pinned down the issue of social
They YEARN TO CONNECT but DON’T HAVE a WIDE bias but acknowledge that it is not within their competence to
network of friends. address it at this time. Other issues raised were low awareness of
their organization and activities that may not be appealing to
3. Have nothing to look forward to mindset. other older adult types e.g. gardening.
4. Yearning to grandparent more (cannot grandparent as much
as they want to because of distance and limited time with
kids)
5. Not seen / heard/ does not matter
