LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Self-esteem of Institutionalised Elderly Women in Coimbatore - A Case History

Kavitha. V. R. S., M.A., M.Phil.

Abstract

Good health comprises of both physical and psychological health. Psychological health issues include depression, anxiety, sexuality and body image, as well as alcoholism and abuse.

Pivotal to all of these issues is self esteem which is defined as how one estimates about oneself. Lacuna in good self esteem either male or female, one is easily susceptible to cycle of negative and destructive behaviours and would never achieve good health or sense of well-being.

It is well established that women begin to exhibit lower self esteem than men, right from the adolescence. The prime role of women is to provide care for their children and family members. Unfortunately, it is withdrawn when they become elderly and become more dependent, considered to be unimportant and are forced to resort to old age homes. The loss of independence, reversal of roles and the transition in standard of living influence the level of self-esteem to a greater extent.

A descriptive study design was framed and thirty women were interviewed and the case histories were also collected to throw light on the same. The results of the study denote that major proportion of the elderly women's level of self esteem is high by resorting in old age homes due to the ill treatment and seclusion in the home, denial of nutritious food and the treatment for sickness and also given less significance for their ideas, suggestions, etc.

What is Self-esteem?

The word esteem comes from a Latin word that means to estimate. Self esteem is how one estimates about one self. Self esteem is not a trait one is born with, rather, it is learned, first through family relationships parents especially, but also brothers and sisters, and others extended family, including aunts and uncles and even baby sitters.

These initial family experiences tend to be the foundation of each individual's sense of self worth, and the beginnings of self esteem. Self esteem is dynamic that tends to change over time, influenced by encounters with people outside the family, in addition to the continuing influence of family members either in a positive or negative way. The negative or repetitive negative experiences in multiple arenas would erode self esteem.

It is established that women begin to exhibit lower self esteem than men right from the adolescence due to the general existence of patriarchal society like in India, which would affect women's self esteem.

Varieties of Self-esteem

High self esteem in a woman focuses on positive and self assured and when fails at something, would try it again, determine to succeed or try another path. A woman with high self esteem is not self critical, but can effectively and appropriately deal with anger; lacks need to manipulate others to reach the desire. Moreover, those women are realistic about oneself and comfort, capable enough to engage in numerous types of quality relationships.

By contrast a woman with low self esteem is unable to focus on her positive attributes, but rather is stuck dwelling as all the ways. She loses ability to deal effectively, depends on others emotionally and after makes poor choices in friendships and partnerships, women with low self esteem are mere likely to become trapped in dysfunctional relationships.

Longevity - Problems of Old Women

In most parts of the world, women live, on average, longer than men. The rise in the number of those who are non-productive and who do not generate any hope immediately raises an economic and social problem. Apart from food and shelter, the old need care and medicines. They also crave love and tender care. They would like to interact, be heard, be visible, and would like a bit of space of their own and have a constructive and creative role to play in society.

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