How To Improve Self-esteem In Old Age: 5 Useful Tips
Old age represents a stage of multiple changes in people’s lives, both physically and psychologically. We have to accept that our role in society will no longer be the same, and even in the family unit things are going to be different.
In these lines we are going to review certain aspects related to senescence, focusing on how to improve self-esteem in old age We will review the main changes that are experienced once this stage is reached, and how to prevent them from affecting us in terms of quality of life. These principles are also applied in psychotherapy with older people.
To understand how to improve self-esteem in old age, you have to know that it is a stage of evolutionary development in which We begin to see ourselves limited in certain aspects, due to the natural wear and tear of the body and mind
Reaching the stage of old age represents significant changes in our goals and the way we see life in general terms; In old age, people begin to evaluate what their lives have been up to that point, and the way in which they have managed them.
It may happen that the subject feels satisfied with what he has achieved and has no problems facing his stage as an older adult, but on the other hand It could happen that the person considers that they have not achieved the objectives set for themselves and experience feelings of emptiness and discomfort.
Now we will see some ways to maintain or improve self-esteem in old age.
1. Accept the new role
The most important thing so that our self-esteem is not diminished by old age is accept that our role has changed, and that it is time to let go of some activities that we used to do before
The sooner we accept our new role, the sooner we will be ready to begin new experiences.
2. Don’t compare us
No person is equal to another in any aspect; Similar perhaps, but never the same. It is important to be clear about this to Do not make comparisons with other people who face old age in a different way
Old age does not apply in the same way to everyone, we just have to take care of our health and stay active in whatever is within our reach, without going overboard.
3. Be understanding
It is important to understand why our family and loved ones strive for us to change our routine and some of our daily habits. They do not do it to bother or because they consider it to be dealing with a burden but because we seek to improve our quality of life.
4. Cultivate patience
In adulthood, patience is a virtue that is worth gold. Sometimes we are going to need the help of other people to do some things and we may not always get that help as quickly.
To avoid feeling uncomfortable with this situation, it is appropriate to understand that there are things that go beyond our control, and that The best we can do is wait patiently for them to give us the help we need, without bothering us when it does not arrive immediately. Avoiding these types of frustrations protects our self-esteem, because it does not lead us to feel useless, but rather helps us adopt an identity in which humility is important.
Self-esteem is nourished by the projects and goals achieved throughout the days, weeks and months. But given this, it is important to keep in mind that these objectives must be adapted to the age and capabilities of each person at a given time. That is why it is bad to fall into the trap of assuming that if you do not achieve the same type of spectacular achievements that you could achieve in your youth, you are a derelict. In old age, These projects and hobbies must correspond to the mental agility and physical abilities of someone of seniority
Adapt to our role in the elderly
Once old age is reached, the ideal is for the person to understand that they can no longer do some of the things they did before. To the extent that the subject manages to accept these facts, it will be less likely that he will be affected by low self-esteem.
The new role played by people entering old age is to serve as a guide for the generations that come after them; It is natural that the older adult enjoys talking to and advising younger people who know how to value their anecdotes and are capable of obtaining valuable learning from them.
It is important that the elderly continue to feel useful to prevent them from falling into intense depressive states due to problems related to their self-esteem. Establishing a daily routine with activities that are within your reach is a protective factor against feelings of worthlessness.
To the older adult It is not always easy for you to come to terms with the idea that you have to retire, it is common to see how many resist facing this imminent situation in their work lives. Even in some cases, after retiring, some seniors continue to go to their old workplaces.
To correctly assimilate that retirement is near, and that it is something that we cannot avoid, we need to learn to properly close cycles in our lives. Equip yourself with the idea that everything has a beginning and an end, and understand that in order for us to start new cycles, others must close.
If people begin to plan their retirement in advance, in many cases it will not represent a risk to their self-esteem, because They will already have other activities planned to which they plan to dedicate their time. Talking to other coworkers about your post-retirement plans helps.
