Ann Banner, 62, NC, USA

I think that when I hear AgeEsteem it is how you feel at any point in your life whether you’re considered young, middle aged or older.  Naturally by being over 60 now, it is how I feel about myself and being over 60 years old.

I think more recently I’ve given aging more thought because in my immediate area and among the people I grew up with, I see a lot of people I went to high school with who are dying in their mid- 60’s.   It concerns me not so much because I feel that I’m next, but because I do wonder what is it about our age group that seems to be more prevalent.  Then I fear that since years are going by there are things that I have to consider because I won’t live another 62 years.  I don’t know if it is so much a fear as it is a concern.

Ann’s Tips: I’m probably harder on myself than on other people.  I find myself telling other people things that I really should be speaking to myself about.  But when my younger co-workers say, “Oh is it 5 o’clock yet?”  I’m often heard to say, “Someone wishes they had all day.”  So don’t wish your life away.  I think that because I see time going by so fast, or seemingly so fast, I just think people ought to treasure that voice.  I find myself saying that a lot.  I try to live each day to the fullest.

I think that if people are honest with themselves they’ll realize there are things that they don’t like about themselves, but it’s the only self they’re going to get.  I guess what I would say is what I say to myself.   Emphasize those things that you do well.  We all have some, like a good sense of humor or patience, tolerance, understanding of other people, being less critical of other people.  Those things are all a part of our esteem and I think if we stopped and realized what is good that we can share with other people, we would feel better about ourselves.  That is where it starts.  If we’re not happy within we sure can’t share it.  Misery loves company.  That’s for sure.  I think people often seek out other people who don’t feel good either.  If you go to another person and you feel bad, you’re probably going to go to the person that’s going to agree with you, and that’s not always the best thing to do.

Ann Banner is a public health pediatric nurse working primarily with the pediatric residents from Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Bonnie Fatio