4 Ways To Grow The Self-Worth Of Your Elderly Loved One

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4 ways to grow the self-worth of your elderly loved one

Physical challenges often present themselves to the elderly. But the ways in which older adults are able to deal with those challenges make all the difference in the world. For most seniors, it’s all about being independent. Restoration of independence works wonders for their confidence.

How can you help? Here are four ways to grow the self-worth of your elderly loved one:

Suggest Giving Yoga a Try

Yoga is a form of exercise that is regularly recommended to people of all ages. One good reason to recommend it to elderly individuals is that it will help them to learn something new. Another good reason is that the practice of yoga will help them to feel better physically. Growth in self-confidence is a lot easier to attain when you feel good about your mental and physical abilities.

According to Beth Sager of Griswold Home Care, “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.”

Suggest Fun Activities That Can Be Enjoyed With Others

To keep an older adult’s confidence up, he/she will need to participate in an activity that brings him/her joy. This activity should be something that the senior can do independently. When seniors are able to do fun things all on their own, it helps them to feel better about themselves. Not to mention, engaging in activities with others helps older people to overcome boredom and loneliness.

“Often, seniors have to part with an activity they love but can no longer comfortably or safely do,” says Beth Brown of Palm Beach’s Home Care Assistance, “Suggest a new hobby like learning a new language, listening to audiobooks, painting, taking up yoga, or making easy crafts. A sense of purpose and accomplishment is vital to mental health.”

Value Their Opinions

It can be argued that, in the Western world, much greater respect for the thoughts and opinions of seniors needs to be had. Is the senior in your life prone to rattling off tales of their youth that seem to have no relevance? Does he/she battle with speech impediments? It doesn’t matter. There is no reason to make your elderly loved one feel as if he/she doesn’t matter. Listen intently and genuinely engage in conversations.

Happy elderly

“Your older parent is a fountain of wisdom, experience, and advice,” insists Tom Laborde of Aegis Living, “Ask them for their input or to help you work through a problem. They may have some good insight on everything from serious questions about relationships to more lighthearted issues like cooking, cleaning, or gardening tips. Being helpful and having a sense of purpose can really be a boost to their confidence.”

Give Them Privacy During Bath Time

For seniors who generally require assistance during bath time, it’s natural to feel shame and embarrassment. Ideally, they’d be able to bathe in private, just like everyone else. At Forward Day, we’re proud of the fact that our Shower Bay portable showers help seniors restore their independence and regain their privacy during bath time.

Shower Bay can be snapped together in any room of the home where there is a faucet nearby. It then allows a senior to roll a shower wheelchair inside to enjoy an independent, comfortable shower with running water. If you have any questions about Shower Bay, please don’t hesitate to contact us to ask them. Give us a call at 1-877-593-4461 or email us at info@showerbay.com

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