Self-esteem is important for anyone, but as you age with declining health issues and being less mobile, self-esteem and confidence can really take a battering. This can be a self-destructive negative cycle, but it doesn’t have to be. Whilst you may feel like you can still do the activities at the pace you did 10, 20 or 30 years ago, your body tells you otherwise and that can be hard to accept. Losing one’s independence can also take quite some adjusting to and low self-esteem can lead to depression, so it’s important to manage this.
Addressing Self-Esteem
- Stay Social! Having a coffee with a friend, playing golf or doing a crossword, as long as you are having some interaction with others and keeping your mind active.
- Volunteer – If there is a cause or organisation you are passionate about, consider volunteering in some capacity. It will give you an outlet as well as helping you to feel good about yourself.
- Eat Healthy! – If you eat well, you will feel better about yourself.
- Practice Good Hygiene – When you look good, you feel good. Ensure that being showered and dressed is a priority every day.
- Make regular grooming appointments, whether that be for a haircut, beauty treatment, a pedicure or massage.
- Exercise – even if it’s just going for a walk every day. It is said that exercise releases endorphins and that will affect your mood.
- Try Yoga or Tai Chi. The mind/body connection with Yoga increases body strength and helps to let go of negative thoughts.
- Ensure that you include your loved ones in decisions that concern their well-being.
- Allocate tasks to your elderly loved one. Nothing time consuming or complicated, but it could be something as simple as folding laundry.
- Do activities together such as look through past photographs and discuss memories.
- It’s important for your elderly loved one to feel needed and wanted, include them as much as you can.
It’s essential to foster feelings of trust and respect, as well as maintaining dignity and feelings of self-worth. At Homestyle we have beauty salons in our homes as well as Lifestyle Co-ordinators that work with our residents on various projects helping them to stay social and enjoy activities. To find out more about our long-term and short-term accommodation, visit us here or phone 1300 104 663.
