My Self Development

 Subscribe to RSS Feed FaceBook Connect  
Sign up for Email Updates :

How to Build Self Confidence in Elderly ?



In the final stage of life, when the body starts giving-up, it is only the love and affection of their children that can encourage old people to remain motivated for living enthusiastically.

Some old aged people may behave aggressively and want to maintain a control over the rest of the family. Yet, others may remain passive and self occupied. In both the cases, your old man or old woman may be having a low self confidence, if not anything else.

Cause of Low Self Confidence in Elderly

An unsuccessful life is the number one cause of low self esteem and hence low self confidence in old aged people. They may feel a sense of failure and may often be found talking about how their life got wasted because of a certain reason.

When their own children show disrespect to them, especially in public, they get deeply hurt, leaving them with a tough wound to heal.

Cut to the chase, it is extremely harmful for their physical and mental health. Hence, self confidence must be built in elderly members of the society.

  1. Respect them

    2. The most important thing is to show them respect. This will give their self respect an instant boost. Even if they behave unreasonably, remember not to say anything offensive to them, especially in front of an outsider. Everyone knows that in old age, people tend to suffer from issues like regular bed wetting, difficulty in going to toilet, and they need to depend on someone to take care of them.

    Do not scold them for not being able to wait for you to take them to toilet. Instead, express concern and assure them that you understand that sometimes one just does not have control over the body.

  2. Love them

    3. Express your love to them by making them feel special. Celebrate their birthdays, host surprise anniversary parties or gift them a new piece of clothing. More affection you show to them, more secure they will feel.

    Most of the elderly these days feel insecure of being left in an old age home by their own children. They are not young anymore and you are no more a teenager whose mood swings they can bear. Remember this.

  3. Take Care

    4. No matter what medical or emotional problem they are suffering from, assure them that you can take care of them. Tell them that it is a different game altogether now and you are responsible for taking care of them, just like they cared for you when you were a baby.

    Make them believe that you care for them out of responsibility and affection, and not a burden.

  4. Listen to Them

    5. When they say something, listen very carefully and let them know that their opinions is of great importance even today.

    This will allow them to have enough confidence to express any form of disturbance or difficulty they are experiencing.

  5. Take Advice

    6. This will make them feel powerful. Talk about your problems to them. Ask for their advice. Taking an advice will reflect respect that you have for them and their experience in life.

    Talk to them about your work, personal life and children. You will be surprised to know how fruitful their advice is.

All in all, when you spend time with them they will feel as an integral part of your life. This is the foundation of building self respect, self esteem and self confidence.