3 Tips To Sustain Dignity As You Age
Age is often associated with dignity, that is, we keep our chin up, knowing who we are and letting the advancement of the years drop away any of our illusions. It’s quite humbling to get older, but also quite a privilege, after all, not everyone is given the gift to grow old.
For this reason, many older people are understandably proud, not only of their character but of the life they’ve lived. That’s why some of the various indignities of age can be hard to take, especially when life starts taking things away from us.
However, even if our health and mobility might not be the same as it once was, and even if we may be different to how we were in our youth, you can still retain your dignity. It just takes a few attitude shifts, and no, don’t worry, you’re no less dignified if you have to manage health conditions or reduced capabilities.
In this post, we’ll discuss how to sustain our often-mentioned concept of dignity, and help you push make your golden years the best of your lifetime:forward:
It’s Fine To Keep A Strong Sense Of Self
Getting older often involves changes that can feel unsettling, but you should always remember who you are at your core. The person you’ve always been, with your unique character and experiences, hasn't disappeared just because your routine has changed. Focus on the passions and interests that have defined you over the years and keep them central to your life, it’ll help you celebrate who you are at your most authentic.
That’s because in general, your dignity is tied to your self-respect and your history, not solely your current physical ability. Make sure you continue doing the things you love, such as reading, gardening, or keeping up with your friends. Cherish those core parts of your identity because they are what truly sustain you and remind you of your worth every single day.
Prioritize Your Personal Autonomy
Retaining control over your own choices is important to maintaining your dignity as you age. Even as you might need help with some daily tasks, it’s essential to be the primary decision-maker in your life and ensure your voice is heard. Never let others assume they know what is best for you without asking for your full opinion first, but never be so proud as to ignore good advice.
This means being clear about your preferences for living arrangements, healthcare, and social activities, and confidently communicating them to family or caregivers. If you need to defer to better judgement, that’s a skill too. In other words, trust yourself but don’t be arrogant. It’ll help you like yourself.
Stay Connected With Supportive People
Staying social and connected to people you care about is one of the best ways to ensure a happy, dignified later life. Isolation can make everything feel harder and more lonely which is a risk in retirement, so you should make a real effort to see family and friends as much as you can, even if it’s just a phone call or a video chat. These relationships give you purpose and support and they’re what truly matter.
If you want to make new friends, you can still find them through local clubs, volunteer work, or places like active senior living communities where there’s always something going on. Not being afraid to put yourself out there is a skill we sometimes have to keep relearning with age, so don’t be afraid to do so.
With this advice, you’ll be certain to sustain your dignity even as you age.
