Self-Improvement Month: Improving Self-Esteem of Your Elderly Loved Ones

Seniors are less productive which also impacts self-esteem. Low self-esteem can result in a range of problems in the elderly, such as having a negative outlook on life and focusing on weaknesses. Low self-esteem can also shake the golden years for many seniors and take huge hits physically, and ultimately increase their stress levels which can be deadly. There are ways to improve one’s esteem and positive outlook on life even in old age.

Here are some easy ways to boost the self-esteem of your elderly loved one:

• Develop social connections
  • Regardless of age, individuals who have supportive and loving relationships with friends and family consistently report higher self-esteem and overall happiness. Social connectedness helps seniors feel that they are a valued part of a group or social circle.

• Pursue hobbies
  • Seniors may have once enjoyed engaging in a hobby but have since stopped due to a potential health condition. Families and caregivers who encourage the senior to pick up the hobby again will promote a renewed sense of self-esteem and confidence in the elderly individual.

• Eat healthy and stay active
  • Taking care of yourself by eating good foods and exercising gives you a feeling of control and independence. People who maintain good self-esteem make their health a priority. Regular physical exercise will help keep you strong, boosting confidence.

• Practice independence whenever possible
  • When seniors worry if they are still capable of living in their safety, it can eat away at their sense of control, proficiency, and identity. It can be very hard for the elderly to come to terms with needing help. It’s best to encourage aging loved ones to focus on what they can control and do for themselves, even if they require some assistance or adaptations.

• Keep the mind stimulated
  • To combat the risk of cognitive impairment and potential memory loss, the best option is to keep the mind occupied. This can mean a lot of things: puzzle solving playing chess, cards, or dominoes, reading books, or learning a new language. This helps the brain stay active and make new connections and can cause a generally longer life expectancy.

People of all ages struggle with lower self-esteem. Improving a senior’s self-esteem is a task that requires the help of family, friends, and caregivers. Our elder care professionals are the best in the area and can promote dignity in seniors. If your elderly loved one could use a boost of confidence, turn to LifeWorx for the most dedicated elder care agency in the area.