Elderly Self-Esteem: Activities For Seniors To Improve Confidence

Self-esteem is important for anyone, but as you age and begin to have health issues, you can start to lose confidence and your self-esteem. Loss of confidence in old age can be the beginning of a self-destructive cycle, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Check out these activities to help boost your confidence.

Loss of self-esteem and aging tend to go hand-in-hand. When you look in the mirror you don’t see the person you used to be twenty or thirty years ago, and you might not be able to do everything as well as you once could. That’s just part of getting older, but it can really take a bite out of your self-esteem. Not addressing the issue, and continuing down that path, can put you at risk for chronic low self-esteem. The question then becomes — can low self-esteem lead to depression? Unfortunately, often the answer is yes, chronic low self-esteem leads to depression. But you can do something about it.

Self-Esteem Activities for Seniors

The good news is there are simple activities you can do to increase elderly self-esteem:

• Stay social – Socializing should be on the top of the list of activities. Whether it’s playing golf, playing bridge, or getting together for dinner, having those you care about around you and engaging with them will always give you a boost.
• Volunteer – Helping others is a great way to increase your self-esteem. It is a win-win for the person or organization you’re helping, and it also makes you feel good about yourself. If there is a cause you’re passionate about, consider giving a little of your time to it.
• Practice good hygiene – There’s no two ways about it. When you look good you feel good. Sitting around in sweats and a bathrobe might be comfortable, but it’s certainly no way to increase your self-esteem. Get up, get cleaned up, and get dressed as if you are going out to socialize even if you aren’t. You’ll find that your opinion of yourself becomes more positive. And if you are having trouble having good hygiene, a caregiver can help with personal care.
• Eat healthy foods – The truth is, when you do what you know is good for you, like eating healthy and exercising, you feel better about yourself. When you do things that aren’t good for you, you might enjoy them in the moment, but you’ll feel bad about yourself later.
• Add Yoga to your routine – There is a mind/body connection when performing yoga that helps you let go of negative thoughts and increase body strength. Having a strong and fit body will allow you to move easier, reduce the possibility of falls, and allow you to take care of yourself for longer.

The effects on confidence when aging can be devastating. The negative thoughts can be an unending cycle that leads to chronic low self-esteem. That’s why if you’re feeling down on yourself, it is especially important to talk to someone. Self-esteem and age don’t have to go down a difficult path. There are many ways to feel better about yourself and gain a whole new outlook on life. All it takes is a little work.