Question

Explain in brief the impact of aging on self-esteem. What are the reasons for declining self-esteem in older adults?

Studies indicate that self-esteem increased in the twenties, leveled off in the thirties and forties, rose considerably in the fifties and sixties, and then dropped significantly in the seventies and eighties. Throughout most of the adult years, the self-esteem of males was higher than the self-esteem of females. However, in the seventies and eighties, the self-esteem of males and females converged. Explanations for declining self-esteem in older adults include deteriorating physical health and negative societal attitudes toward older adults, although these factors were not examined in the large-scale study conducted. Researchers have found that in late adulthood, being widowed, institutionalized, or physically impaired, having a low religious commitment, and experiencing a decline in health are linked to low self-esteem. Although older adults may derive self-esteem from earlier successes in some domains, such as work and family, some aspects of their lives require continued support for self-esteem. For example, older adults self-esteem benefits when they are told they are nice and accepted by others. A recent study revealed that older adults had higher self-esteem when they had a youthful identity and more positive personal experiences. And another recent study also found that older adults with higher self-esteem were more likely to be characterized by successful aging factors.


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