Getting Older: Improving Self-Esteem as You Age
Self-esteem, according to a 2010 longitudinal study of men and women, increases as people age but then begins to decline around retirement time. Young adults were reported to have the lowest self-esteem, but this rises throughout adulthood and peaks at 60 before starting to take a hit at around 65 or 70.
It is easy to understand why this happens. Physical changes are one of the most common issues people are concerned about, especially with the appearance of sagging skin, folds, lines, and wrinkles. Health challenges, difficult milestones, and the effects of retirement can also add more stress, as well as a decline in selfesteem.
Aging will always have its challenges, which is why seeing yourself as active, young, and healthy can help you fare better than those who think otherwise. Rejecting negative stereotypes about aging also helps, as well as playing an active role in your life and your community.
Continue reading as we list a few things that can help boost your self-esteem as you get older.
Stay connected
Making friends as an adult becomes even more challenging as we age. Staying connected or being around others, however, is important for our overall well-being. It is said to make us healthier and feel good, with research suggesting that spending time with loved ones is one of the best things you can do for your wellbeing.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends and family at least once a week or actively plan a weekly dinner, brunch, or get-together. You can also try something new such as volunteering, mentoring others, or joining a book club or a fitness class.
And with strong social support, you can enjoy a number of health benefits including:
Improved mood
Decreased stress levels
Promote positive health behaviors
Help improve illness recovery rates
Take care of your skin and body
The aging process is continuous, but this doesn’t mean that there is no point in fighting it. As the way you look and feel can significantly affect your self-esteem, it is important to engage in habits that can take better care of yourself. These include proper hygiene, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.
You can also go beyond these healthy practices by making an active effort in tackling or improving signs of aging that are making you self-conscious. Investing in quality skincare helps, as well as seeing a professional for aesthetic treatments that can make you look more refreshed and energized.
If wrinkles, folds, and sagging skin are making you self-conscious, we at Cutis can help. We have non-invasive procedures that can tackle these concerns without surgery or longer downtime. We have the NIR Cinderella treatment for improving sagging and crepey-looking skin, as well as FaceStim® for skin firming, tightening, and toning.
Spend time outdoors
Being outside benefits people of all ages, particularly older adults who experience loneliness and isolation. In fact, a 2019 study suggested that those who spent two to three hours a week outdoors were 20% more likely to report high overall life satisfaction than those who don’t spend time at all.
Another study from the American Cancer Society also found that people, particularly seniors, who spend just under two hours a week had a decreased risk of death than those who did not. This makes it important to schedule time for outdoor walks or activities that encourage you to go out. These can include:
Al fresco dining
Outdoor parties
Visiting local farms
Visiting parks
Hiking (if you can)
Stay curious
Being curious can expand what you know and what you can do, resulting in developing more competence. And when you’re knowledgeable, aware, or competent, it is easier to empower yourself and improve your confidence.
The good news is there are plenty of ways to get curious as you age, such as:
Traveling to a new place or country
Embracing technology (downloading apps, games, or watching videos to learn new things)
Picking up a new hobby
Joining a club or organization
Trying a new dish or recipe
You may also be glad to know that curiosity is linked to positive emotions, lower anxiety, and more satisfaction in life, according to research. It can increase empathy and help you be more able to understand people with views, lives, and experiences different than yours.
Let Cutis help you
If the physical signs of aging bother you, you can make Cutis your partner in health and beauty. We have products and treatments carefully formulated to enhance your natural beauty. The goal is not to make you look several years younger, but to look good for your age and give you a more refreshed and energized appearance.
