Inclusion based on Intrinsic Properties

For an 87-year-old, the abstract concept of 'Inclusion based on Intrinsic Properties' translates powerfully into maintaining cognitive function, affirming self-identity through life review, and fostering meaningful social connections. At this stage of life, discerning one's core values and character strengths—which are essentially intrinsic properties—becomes crucial for well-being and active engagement with the world. The selected tool, 'VIA Institute on Character Signature Strengths Cards,' is globally recognized for its efficacy in helping individuals identify and articulate their inherent positive traits. This directly addresses the topic by providing a structured method for recognizing and categorizing one's own intrinsic properties.

Core Developmental Principles for an 87-year-old:

1. Cognitive Preservation & Enhancement: The act of reviewing, categorizing, and articulating personal strengths stimulates analytical thinking, memory recall, and language skills, contributing to cognitive maintenance.
2. Meaning-Making & Identity Affirmation: Identifying one's intrinsic character strengths reinforces a positive self-identity, fosters a sense of purpose through life review, and counters potential feelings of diminished self-worth often associated with aging or societal perceptions.
3. Practical Application & Social Connection: Understanding one's own intrinsic properties, and recognizing them in others, empowers better decision-making, strengthens social bonds through shared values, and supports more inclusive interactions based on character rather than superficial traits.

Implementation Protocol for an 87-year-old:

1. Comfortable Setting: Ensure a quiet, well-lit, and comfortable environment free from distractions. Good posture support is important.
2. Gentle Introduction: Introduce the cards as a tool for self-discovery and reflection. Emphasize there are no right or wrong answers, only personal insights. "These cards are a way to think about what makes you uniquely you, what qualities you value most, and what strengths have guided you through life."
3. Initial Sorting (Identification): Present the full deck of cards (or a curated selection if overwhelming). Ask the individual to sort them into three piles based on what resonates most:
   • "This is definitely me, or very important to me."
   • "This is somewhat me, or moderately important."
   • "This doesn't quite resonate, or isn't as important to me right now."
4. Deep Dive & Prioritization: From the "Definitely me" pile, invite the individual to select their top 5-10 'signature strengths' or values. Encourage them to share stories or specific life experiences where these strengths were evident. This connects the abstract 'intrinsic property' to concrete, lived experience.
5. Reflection, Connection & Inclusion: Guide a discussion using prompts like:
   • "How have these strengths served you throughout your life?"
   • "When you think about people you've admired or felt truly connected to, do you notice them having similar strengths or values?"
   • "How do these intrinsic qualities help you understand and connect with the people around you today?"
   • "Are there any strengths you've rediscovered that you'd like to consciously bring into your daily interactions?"
   • "When you meet new people, what intrinsic qualities do you look for that make you feel a sense of inclusion or shared humanity?" This protocol encourages self-reflection, validates life experience, and directly applies the concept of identifying and valuing intrinsic properties for personal and social inclusion.