Sample interview questions: Can you explain your familiarity with age-related changes in personality and how it impacts the mental health of older adults?
Sample answer:
As a geriatric counselor, I am well-versed in the age-related changes in personality and their impact on the mental health of older adults.
Personality Changes
With advancing age, individuals may experience subtle to significant shifts in their personality traits, including:
- Increased Introversion: A decline in extraversion is common, leading to a preference for solitude and a narrower social circle.
- Reduced Emotional Expression: Older adults may display decreased emotional intensity and a stoic demeanor, resulting from a lifetime of experiences and coping mechanisms.
- Greater Conscientiousness: Adherence to rules, self-discipline, and perfectionism tend to increase with age, possibly due to a desire for order and stability.
- Increased Neuroticism: Some individuals may exhibit heightened levels of anxiety, depression, or other negative emotions as they navigate age-related challenges.
Impact on Mental Health
These personality changes can influence the mental health of older adults in several ways:
- Loneliness and Isolation: Reduced social engagement can contribute to feelings of loneliness and social isolation, increasing the risk of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
- Emotion… Read full answer
Source: https://hireabo.com/job/7_0_35/Geriatric%20Counselor