How Seniors Can Reduce the Stress of Moving: Tips for Every Personality Type
If you’re thinking about moving to a Life Plan Community like St. James Place, you’re probably feeling a mix of strong emotions. All people experience some grief, stress and anxiety while going through a period of change—even when that change is good.
But one thing that’s different for everyone is how they react to those feelings. Some folks are naturally resilient, while others are more sensitive to stress. The good news is that knowing how stress affects you can help you develop strategies for maintaining your physical and emotional well-being. Let’s look at how your personality type might influence how you deal with the stress of downsizing and moving to a senior living community. We’ll also pass along some advice that suits your style.
Strategies for Hard-driving Type A Personalities
Folks who exhibit a classic type A personality tend to be assertive and want to control every situation. While being too pushy can be a turn-off, some type A traits do come in handy when navigating a move. For instance, once a type A person makes up his or her mind to do something, nothing gets in the way of that goal.
When you decide to make St. James Place your home, one of the first things we’ll do is pair you with Louisiana’s top move managers Cardinal Solutions. With decades of experience on its team, Cardinal has earned an A+ accreditation from the National Association of Senior and Specialty Move Managers. From preparation to moving day and settling in, Cardinal will give you as much (or as little) help needed for you to start enjoying an active, chore-free life as soon as possible.
Tips for Easier-going Type B Seniors
If you’re a bit more laid back about matters on the home front, then you might have a type B personality. A relaxed, less competitive outlook can ease your day-to-day stress, but when it comes to navigating a move, some focused help may be in order.
No one understands this more than Dr. David Bunch, who moved to St. James Place in Baton Rouge last August. His wife had orchestrated all of the couple’s previous moves, but after her passing he turned to the team at Cardinal Solutions. It turned out to be a wise decision.
“They made up a floor plan to see how my furniture was arranged and what pictures were on my walls before the move,” he says. “Cardinal also arranged to move most of the furniture to my home at St. James. Everything was already in place when the final items were picked up. I did almost nothing.”
Pointers for People Pleasers
A “go-with-the-flow” personality has both pros and cons. While an agreeable demeanor is attractive to others, it can also complicate a decision about moving for fear of others’ reactions. What if the kids don’t agree? What if I hurt my neighbor’s feelings?
One way to tackle these concerns is by speaking with folks who already live in a retirement community. They’ll be happy to share how they came to terms with deciding to move and getting their loved ones on board. The expert speaker programs at St. James Place can help you do just that while giving you a firsthand look at what life is like here. Bonus: The programs are engaging, informational and fun.
Anxiety Relievers for Nervous Nellies
When even minor life changes tie your stomach in knots, tackling tougher challenges like a big move can seem overwhelming. And prolonged periods of intense emotion can contribute to feelings of loss and frustration that may increase your risk of health concerns down the road.
You can alleviate this stress by familiarizing yourself with a senior living community before you make your transition. Visit our campus to chat with residents, meet staff members and get a feel for day-to-day life. Knowing what to expect can go a long way toward easing your anxiety.
It may also help to know that you’ll never have to worry about life’s “what ifs” when you make St. James Place your home in Baton Rouge. That’s because our Life Plan optionsensure you will enjoy outstanding amenities and an engaging community with consistent monthly costs and no surprises—even if your healthcare needs change.
Stress Busters for Introverts
People with a “lone-wolf” personality tend to be most comfortable in smaller groups and enjoy focusing on their thoughts without interruption. If this sounds like you, then making detailed checklists and taking the moving process one step at a time can help you minimize stress and keep things manageable. Cardinal Solutions also offers tips and tools for navigating the process without feeling rushed.
Some introverts may be skeptical about living in a “retirement community.” But the St. James Place lifestyle gives you the freedom to enjoy life on your terms. We designed our dining venues, activities and learning opportunities to appeal to all types of preferences. And there are many places throughout our 52-acre campus where you’ll find peace and mindfulness, with access to a wealth of amenities.
Different Strokes for Different Folks
It’s important to realize that we’re all a mix of personality traits, and accepting who we are can help minimize the stress of transformative life changes like downsizing and moving. And remember, it’s not a weakness to take advantage of resources that can help you along the way. In fact, it’s one smart move.
The friendly, knowledgeable staff at St. James Place can help you navigate this stressful but ultimately rewarding time. Call us at (225) 215-4510 to learn more or schedule a tour.