6 Activities that Boost Self-Esteem in Elderly People

August 7, 2023

Seniors sometimes develop low self-esteem. For some seniors, retirement strikes a blow to their egos, since they no longer feel as though they provide a service to their communities. For others, a new health diagnosis could affect how they feel about their abilities. These six activities can help seniors boost their self-esteem and overall sense of wellbeing.

1. Caring for a Pet

Caring for an animal provides many rewards for seniors. Your aging loved one will know that a living creature depends on him or her for food and shelter. Seniors who cannot care for pets on a regular basis can volunteer at shelters, where they can also develop a stronger sense of self-worth by giving back to the community. Low self-esteem can result in mental, emotional, and physical challenges for aging adults, but they don’t have to manage them alone. In Edmonton, respite care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Butterfly Dreams Respite Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.

2. Offering Mentoring Services

Over the years, seniors have refined their skills, and sharing these skills helps them retain a sense of purpose. Depending on your loved one’s educational and career history, he or she could take on a role as a mentor to new hires at a company. Alternatively, your parent could teach a younger person how to engage in certain hobbies.

3. Taking a Class

Your loved one’s self-esteem may also get a boost from learning new things. Encourage your parent to try something he or she has never done before. Remind your loved one that although it may take time to learn, he or she should pick up some new skills with practice. Once your loved one can show off skills such as the ability to paint or perform a beautiful fox-trot, his or her self-esteem will soar.

4. Getting a Makeover

It sounds so simple, but a new haircut or a fresh coat of nail polish can make a huge difference in how seniors feel about themselves. Your loved one could even see a boost in self-esteem from having his or her hair washed regularly. Make sure to schedule personal hygiene care if your loved one cannot manage bathing independently, and request an additional beauty treatment now and then to help your parent continue to feel amazing about how he or she looks. Seniors with low self-esteem may not be motivated to practise self-care and, as a result, develop serious illnesses, making it a challenge to care for themselves without assistance. For some families, caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they can rely on professional respite care. Edmonton, AB, Butterfly Dreams Respite Care is a trusted name in respite care. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist seniors with bathing, transportation, medication reminders, exercise, and much more, allowing families the time they need to focus on other important responsibilities or just take a break.

5. Participating in a Contest

Winning isn’t everything, but the process of working toward a goal can increase self-esteem. Find a contest that fits your loved one’s abilities, such as a short story writing competition or even a seasonal event such as a pumpkin-carving contest. Your loved one will enjoy preparing for the event, and even finishing in third or fourth place provides a sense of accomplishment.

6. Sharing Their Life Histories

Poor self-esteem sometimes causes seniors to forget all they’ve accomplished in life, and your loved one needs to know that his or her life has served a purpose. Help your loved one write a memoir or record his or her personal history. You can even ask a few open-ended questions to get started. When reflecting on the things he or she has done, your loved one may be reminded of the impact he or she has had on others. Low self-esteem is one of many components that can contribute to decreased mental and physical health in seniors. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for a high-quality Edmonton respite home, Butterfly Dreams Respite Care should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults manage their health and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years. Call us today at 587-800-4822 to learn about ways our experienced caregivers can help your loved one.