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A study by a local company has found the top 20 reasons for a lack of confidence in women over the age of 50.
Healthspan has found a lack of confidence is leading the majority of women over 50 to feel depressed, anxious and even 'trapped'.
Although 46% of women reported increased confidence with age, for those who reported otherwise, a top 20 list of contributing factors has been identified. A list of 20 confidence boosters has also been compiled which includes hearing the words 'I love you' and the feeling of being self sufficient.
A third of women polled said a lack of confidence left them feeling depressed, while another 34 per cent had experienced increased anxiety.
Weight gain (27 per cent), a feeling of isolation (23 per cent) and even a loss of libido (18 per cent) were also among the effects of low confidence.
It found that self-esteem has prevented a quarter from socialising with their friends, held back 22 per cent back in their career, stopped 14 per cent from exercising and had a negative effect on family life among nine per cent.
The research of 2,000 females aged 50 and above found levels of confidence are low among one in 10. The menopause is said to have a huge effect on a woman’s confidence levels with 29 per cent saying the impact of the menopause is under-rated.
A third who took part in the study even went as far as to say they no longer feel like the person they once were before the menopause.
Dr Meg Arroll, psychologist specialising in health working with Healthspan, said:
“We often focus on the physical changes associated with ageing and the menopause, but the emotional and psychological impact of life transitions are just as important.
“This survey has highlighted the degree to which women’s confidence and mental health can be affected by getting older – and our ageist society has played a role here.
“The more we discuss this openly, the more we can protect women’s mental health as nearly 30 per cent of the survey respondents said they felt the impact of the peri-menopause and the menopause was under-rated.
“However, we must also celebrate age and experience, as over a third of the women stated that they felt comfortable in their own skin, with more saying that they believed confidence was highest during their 50s than any other decade.
“Therefore, it’s important to both tackle the underlying reasons for confidence drains, whilst focusing on the areas that make women in midlife unstoppable.”
The study found poor memory recall, not feeling as fit as you once were and going through the menopause are among the things most likely to affect a woman’s confidence.
Someone mistakenly thinking you are older than you are, hitting the menopause, cellulite and realising you are the oldest in your team at work are also among the things likely to knock a woman’s confidence.
Having sweat patches show through your clothes and being left out of social gatherings also feature on the list.
But four in 10 said hot flushes at work have also had a negative impact on their confidence.
Julie Dennis, Menopause at Work Trainer said:
“The relationship between work and menopause is a two way street – your symptoms can affect your ability to perform your job and your working environment can impact your symptoms.
“The survey clearly demonstrates the link between menopause and confidence; fortunately both individuals and employers can take steps to alleviate the impact at work.
“For women it’s important to explore a range of options encompassing medical intervention, lifestyle choices and practical solutions.”
TOP 20 - THINGS WHICH NEGATIVELY EFFECT IN CONFIDENCE IN WOMEN OVER 50:
TOP 20 - THINGS WHICH POSITIVELY EFFECT IN CONFIDENCE IN WOMEN OVER 50:
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