Personality determines the quality of old age! "Dandelion-type elderly" are more solid

Review expert: Li Xianhong, National Level 2 Psychological Counselor at the Psychological Counseling Center of the 371 Central Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army

Recently, researchers from Simon Fraser University in Canada discovered an interesting phenomenon in a survey of more than 3,000 people over the age of 60: there seems to be a "dandelion and orchid phenomenon" in the process of cognitive aging.

This study not only reveals the differences in cognitive reserves among elderly people with different personality types in their later years, but also provides us with new insights into how to live a high-quality old age.

What is the Dandelion-Orchid Theory?

The dandelion-orchid theory was first proposed in the field of child psychology. Imagine that dandelions, a common grass, can always grow tenaciously on the roadside, in the fields, and even in the cracks of rocks, regardless of wind and rain. Orchids, on the other hand, are beautiful but delicate, and need careful care and a suitable environment to thrive. The images of these two plants aptly depict the two completely different personality types that exist in the child group.

The Dandelion-Orchid Theory can also be applied to older adults and other age groups. It emphasizes that individuals have different responses to their environments, that is, some people may be more affected by adversity due to biological susceptibility, while they may also benefit more from a supportive environment.

Dandelion or orchid, how to tell?

In this theory, Dandelion Elderly are described as those who can maintain relatively stable cognitive abilities even in the face of adverse lifestyles and social environments :

1. They usually have a good social network and are able to maintain active interactions with family, friends and the community. 2. They tend to be more outgoing and willing to communicate with the outside world in a variety of ways, such as having multiple hobbies or careers, etc. 3. They tend to see the positive aspects of life and find satisfaction and happiness in them.

Source: pixabay

On the contrary, orchid-type elderly people are more easily affected by the surrounding environment :

1. They communicate less with the outside world and have a relatively simple social network. 2. They may have one or two very beloved hobbies or careers that they devote themselves to, but they often focus on these beloved areas and rarely have other ways to communicate with the outside world. 3. They may show higher cognitive abilities in familiar and friendly environments, but their cognitive functions may not be well demonstrated in adverse environments.

Source: pixabay

In simple terms, dandelion-type personalities tend to establish more complex external communication channels (social, hobbies, kinship, etc.) and can therefore adapt to more complex environments; orchid-type personalities are fond of specific areas and establish relatively simple external communication channels, and therefore have higher requirements for the environment. We can simply judge which personality type we and our family members belong to through the above description, which provides a reference for adjusting our lives and improving the quality of life.

Orchid-type elderly people may be more introspective and thoughtful, they may have higher requirements for quality of life, and they may be more sensitive to details. This type of elderly people need more care and support, especially when facing health problems or life pressures.

How to improve the quality of life for different types of elderly people

Dandelion-type elderly people are often good at establishing connections with the outside world . They can actively participate in community activities and family gatherings to keep their social circles active; or enrich their lives by cultivating hobbies such as gardening, painting or music; or choose to teach certain skills to the younger generation to build a bridge of cross-generational communication and enhance their own sense of value.

Dandelion-type elderly people who are used to being in a lively environment sometimes find it hard to stand loneliness, so it is necessary to seek help from family or friends. By balancing independence and social support, dandelion-type elderly people can better enjoy a fulfilling and harmonious old age.

Source: pixabay

Orchid-type elderly people are more sensitive to environmental changes. They need a stable and caring environment to bloom their beauty. In order to achieve a high-quality life in old age, orchid-type elderly people should learn to adjust their expectations of the environment and avoid overreacting to small things. They can manage their emotions and reduce stress by practicing meditation, yoga or other relaxation techniques.

At the same time, orchid-type elderly people need to find a relatively stable and friendly external environment. The support of relatives and friends is particularly important for orchid-type elderly people, so they need to maintain open communication with their families and express their needs and feelings. Family members also need to be patient and respectful to better understand and meet their emotional needs. In addition, orchid-type elderly people can join interest groups or volunteer organizations to share experiences and feelings with others, which can not only gain emotional support, but also increase satisfaction and happiness in life.

Finally, the elderly must have a positive attitude . Whether you are a dandelion type or an orchid type, maintaining a positive attitude is the key. A positive attitude helps improve the quality of life and enhances the ability to cope with challenges.

Source: pixabay

Everyone will experience spring, summer, autumn and winter in life, and learning to care and understand when we are young will make our future better. The study of the dandelion-orchid theory provides us with a new perspective, allowing us to realize that personality type may have an important impact on the cognitive health and quality of life of the elderly in their later years. By understanding their own personality traits and making corresponding lifestyle adjustments, the elderly can better control their lives and enjoy a healthy and happy old age.