University study: self-esteem keeps seniors healthy
NC - Seniors should maintain and improve their confidence levels because it helps guard against health threats that often come with older adulthood.
A recent study out of Concordia University’s Centre for Research in Human Development looked at changes to self-esteem over time.
For four years, researchers studied 147 adults aged 60 or older and measured their levels of the stress hormone cortisol as well as self-esteem, stress and symptoms of depression.
The study found that if an individual’s self-esteem decreased, cortisol increased. Cortisol levels can negatively affect health, particularly amongst those who already have a history of stress or depression.
Maintaining or even improving self-esteem can help prevent health problems, noted the researchers.
Increased self-esteem contributes to improved cortisol regulation in stressful circumstances.
Strategies for boosting self-esteem include things like trying to socially connect more with people and taking steps to enhance feelings of self-worth.
Tools to support self-reliance in the face of health challenges can also make a difference.
For example, Telehomecare (www.OntarioTelehomecare.ca), a program of the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN), supports people with chronic health conditions to maintain their health at home.
Simple-to-use equipment lets people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or congestive heart failure measure their vital signs daily.
The results are monitored remotely by a specially-trained clinician, who also counsels patients by phone about how to live their best life.
- www.Newscanada.com
