The Self-Esteem of the Elderly Engaged in Different Roles and Activities: the Case of Residents of Yeka and Addis Ketema Sub Cities in Addis Ababa
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Date
2007-04
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Activity theory is the most prominent psychological theory of aging. This theory states
that aging is a gradual shrinking away of the elderly from the previously assumed roles
and hence replacement of the relinquished roles by the new ones is likely to help the
elderly to have meaning in life, increases their life satisfaction and boosts their Self-
esteem. Th us roles that are lost at the time of old age should be substituted by new
roles and activities.
In light of this, it was hypothesized that the elderly having currently involved in
different type of roles have better self-esteem, and more importantly that this is
especially possible if role induction is a matter of choice than necessity.
A total of 22 7 elderly of age 55 years and above were consideredfrom Yeka and Addis
Ketema suh-cities to fill a questionnaire constructed to identify the type of roles
assumed, level of engagements, reason of engagement and also assess their Self-
esteem. The finding indicated that the elderly with multiple roles have the highest self-
esteem and engagement in work role has no significant difference on Self-este em. Those
engaged in work roles by choice have the better self-esteem than those who are
engaged by necessity and those engaged in family and social cultural roles have the
highest Self-esteem than those engaged in work roles and those who are not involved.
A ccordingfy it is recommended that the elderly should be encouraged to participate in
multiple roles and by their choice
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Residents