Top Tips: Ways to Boost Self-Confidence in the Elderly Outdoors
As we age, our confidence in venturing beyond our homes can be severely impacted, especially for seniors who endured isolation during the pandemic. This has left many older individuals feeling anxious about going outside, resulting in diminished enjoyment of once-cherished activities and a sense of frustration and constraint.
‘Age UK said the [pandemic] had an “alarming” impact on older people, many of whom have lost confidence and motivation and are experiencing anxiety, memory loss and disturbed sleep.
Findings also suggest older people have lost the confidence to leave their homes…
More than a third (38%) said they would not feel confident in using public transport – the equivalent of 4.8 million people when scaled up to population level.’ (Source)
At Myley, we believe it is essential to recognise that older people may need a bit more encouragement and support to venture outside more often and ultimately boost their self-confidence in doing so.
In this blog post, we explore some simple and practical ways to support elderly individuals in regaining their confidence to step outside their homes. These Top Tips will help you empower seniors to reconnect with the outdoors and enjoy the world beyond their doorstep:
1. Gradual Reintroduction:
Encourage seniors to start slowly. Begin with short outings, perhaps a walk around the garden or a visit to a nearby park.
Little and often is key. Celebrate each achievement, no matter how small. A few minutes outdoors today can lead to longer outings tomorrow.
2. Accompany Them:
Be their companion during outdoor activities. Your presence provides reassurance and safety.
Walk alongside them, chat, and share the experience. Feeling connected boosts confidence and seniors feel more secure when someone walks alongside them.
Applaud their courage. Whether it’s reaching the park bench or spotting a squirrel, celebrate the victories.
Conversations during walks enrich the experience. Discuss the changing seasons, your surroundings and any nature that you see.
On a recent Myley tour to Dobbie’s Garden Centre, a Guest Representative noted that Tour Leader Paul, ‘… took his time with residents that were slower at walking...he brought a lovely positive attitude and was super helpful.’
3. Plan Fun Outings:
Spark their interest with enjoyable outings. Start small, for instance, a visit to the local garden centre or church.
Gradually build up to more significant trips, like a day at the beach or exploring a beautiful stately home. Explore nearby gems, a botanical garden, a peaceful lakeside bench, or a local café with outdoor seating.
Try to tailor outings to their interests or previous work life. Perhaps a visit to a historical site, an art exhibition, or a birdwatching morning.
Myley’s Client, Meryton Place Care Home, often take one of their residents Bob to the Bristol Aerodrome with Myley, Tour Leader Nick says ‘Bob and his father spent their entire working lives here. Bob knows and can comment on every exhibit and his great joy is the Concorde!’
4. Socialise and Make Connections:
Group bus trips, walks, picnics, or activity sessions provide camaraderie. Shared laughter and shared stories help create bonds.
Being about to talk to others that are a similar age who may also remember the same things as them eg. favourite films and music, can spark many conversations and reminiscing.
A Guest Representative on a recent tour to Hollywood Bowl said, ‘It was an absolute joy to see residents enjoying friendship, fun, laughter and meaningful moments. Our Tour Leader, Adrian, was as always, a massive asset to our trip. Always polite, fun and engaging with residents.’
5. Revive Neglected Hobbies:
Explore their past interests. Help them reconnect with old hobbies and find places of interest outside the home that would re-ignite these hobbies.
Myley’s Client, Eccleshare Court Care Home, shared with us a recent tour, ‘Eva’s wish was granted…she wanted to feed the new spring lambs she enjoyed doing as a child with her friends. She spent the day with her Swanholme friend Anna in awe as she fed lots of lambs and both ladies were gifted a little souvenir daffodil.’
By gradually rebuilding their confidence, we can empower seniors to enjoy the outdoors, and the many more adventures yet to come.