Self-esteem in the elderly

The third age is a very difficult stage for self-esteem. People see how their physical and mental abilities are decreasing. At the same time observe how their social contacts are disappearing, either by the death of some of their acquaintances, by their inability to maintain the pace of previous life or because their own relatives give them side. In this article we will guide you on how to enhance self-esteem in the third age.

In this context, it is not surprising that self-esteem suffers serious damage and that many of them experience severe depression. In order to improve the self-esteem and quality of life of the elderly, the following points should be taken into account:

We must take into account enhance their capabilities and autonomy:

Many people treat their elderly relatives as if they were disabled, do not allow them to do anything, give them everything done … This prevents them from remaining autonomous and, in addition, accelerates their degeneration. It is convenient that they continue to have responsibilities that are within their reach. This will keep them feeling useful and improve their self-esteem

Respect their opinions:
especially in the topics that directly concern him. The fact that he is older does not mean that he can not decide what he wants to do with his life.

Help him to stay active:
both physically and mentally. Activities as simple as taking a walk, having a conversation or doing hobbies can prevent degeneration.

Encourage your social relationships:
Help him not to enclose himself. There are centers where you can relate. You can also make him feel integrated within the family, making him intervene in conversations, listening to his advice … That will make him feel accepted and loved and his self-esteem will increase.

Exercise the mind

One of the main recommendations for maintaining mental health in the elderly is to perform mental acuity exercises such as reading, doing sudoku, crosswords or other hobbies that require concentration: the text lettering technique is becoming more fashionable, which also allows the mind exercise its most creative part, so the brain is stimulated and neural connections are favored. Immersing yourself in these types of activities takes the mind away from worries.

You must include within the activities of the older adult the appropriate physical exercise for your age, this will benefit your mental health and will cause you to sleep better.

Family
The family is the great emotional support of the person of the third age, because it provides security, rooting and support. Feeling useful when taking care of the grandchildren will be positive for them, as long as they do not lose tranquility, independence and well-being.

At the same time, the elderly are excellent at helping children accept criticism, handle problems or overcome complexes. After all, they have enough vital experience to understand and transmit to their own what is really important and what is not.

Older people who feel necessary for those they love have a propensity to live longer and have a better quality of life.

Pets
Seniors with pets are more optimistic, cheerful and even enjoy better health, as shown, among many others, these benefits have been studied. Pets are an excellent company. The older adult feels that he should be well for someone who depends on him and should take care of him. They are an excellent antidote for loneliness.

Low self-esteem in older people is associated with the fact that with old age, physical and mental abilities are lost. However, if we encourage them to have a positive concept of this stage, their self-esteem does not have to be affected over the years.

Therefore, it is very important to optimize opportunities for physical, social and mental well-being during life, with the aim of extending healthy life expectancy, productivity and quality of life in old age. Having a full life and having loved ones around helps you enjoy a happy and relaxed old age.

Self-esteem is to love oneself and love others. It means knowing that you are worthy, worthy, worthwhile and capable, and affirm it. It implies respecting yourself and teaching others to do it.

The third age is a very difficult stage for self-esteem since it is a transition stage. When people get older it is not easy to understand the changes that are taking place, as well as the things that can no longer be done. This process of changes greatly affects self-esteem and it is for this reason that depression is a common pathology in older people.

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