Self-esteem increases as people grow older, but dips when people are in their 60s, although those who make more money and are healthier tend to retain better views of themselves, hints a new study.
![Self-esteem fluctuates with age Self-esteem fluctuates with age](https://i.ndtvimg.com/doctors/uploadedImages/News/full_news/oldman_working.jpg?q=50)
Past studied have linked self-esteem with better health, less criminal behaviour, lower levels of depression and overall greater success in life. Wealth and health play major roles in boosting self-esteem, especially in older people. To explore how an average person's self-esteem changes over time, researchers surveyed 3,617 American adults aged 25 to 104 years. The participants were followed at least four times during a span of 16 years and the researchers examined the development of self-esteem from young adulthood to old age.
It was found that young people had the lowest self-esteem, but it grew as people aged, peaking when they turned 60 years old. Women had lower self-esteem than men, on average, until they reached their 80s and 90s. It was also found that people who have higher incomes and better health in later life tend to maintain their self-esteem as they age.
The above findings could be attributed to the fact that middle-aged people increasingly occupy positions of power and status, which might promote feelings of self-esteem. In contrast, older adults may be experiencing a change in roles such as retirement and obsolete work skills in addition to declining health, resulting in a decline their self-esteems.
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