Lots of women question their self-worth as they age. Not only does society send women the message that their value declines as the years go on, going through menopause can also have a negative effect on your mental health and leave you feeling uncomfortable in your own skin. Young women often dread aging. Women who are moving into their fifties and sixties may feel insecure about the way society now regards them.
But it is entirely possible for women to gain confidence as they age. They can let go of society’s expectations. In some ways, aging can actually be freeing. Here is how women can build up their confidence in their fifties and beyond.
Physical Self-Care
First, it’s important to acknowledge that not all of women’s negative sentiments about aging are connected to worries about physical appearance. Aging can slow you down physically. Additionally, menopause encompasses a variety of changes in one’s body that can be tough to get used to.
This is why physical self-care is so important for women heading into their senior years. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, a healthy diet, check-ups at the doctor, supplementing as appropriate, and drinking plenty of water are all crucial at this stage of life. Taking good care of yourself can definitely boost your confidence.
Change Your Media Diet
The way media portrays women in their fifties and older can be quite discouraging. Positive media portrayals can be scant. Furthermore, when you spend time on social media, it can feel like everyone is simply trying to sell you anti-aging products.
This is a good time to unfollow people on social media who promote harmful ideas or products. Next, seek out books and movies that highlight senior women in a positive light. Cutting down on screen time in general is usually a net positive for your mood!
Mentor Younger Women
Over the decades, you’ve likely built up expertise in certain areas. Maybe you advanced to a leadership role in your career, volunteered widely in your community, raised children whom you’re proud of, or excelled at a creative pursuit.
No matter your passion, now is the time to pass on your skills. You may want to look for mentoring opportunities at your workplace or through a volunteer organization.
Have Fun with New Hobbies
There is no specific age limit on having fun or trying new things! Maybe you have more room in your schedule because you’re retired. Perhaps you’re just itching to try a new hobby because you need a little excitement in your life.
Why not sign up for an interesting class or ask a friend if you could tag along for a hobby they love? You might find out that you have a knack for an activity that you had never considered trying before. Learning a new skill and discovering unknown talents can help you get excited about embracing the next chapter of your life.
Pour Into Your Relationships
Finally, remember that your loved ones will be there for you at any age. It’s easy to start comparing yourself to other people, wondering if you have accomplished enough in life, or get caught up in worries about the future.
It’s good to reach for genuine goals that you haven’t achieved yet, as well as make concrete plans for life after retirement. But in the midst of all this, stay deeply connected with your friends and family, who are your bedrock of support.
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Are you struggling with self-acceptance as you age? A therapist can help you reframe your perspective on aging. Reach out to find out more about women’s therapy.