Did you know on average a person makes 35,000 decisions per day? And you may not realise deciding what to wear is one of the most important daily decisions you make that helps you to express your self-identity.
Through our clothing, we are able to non-verbally communicate a part of our personality. Whether that be expressing your sensitive side by wearing floral print or indicating you’re an extravert by wearing an eye-catching statement piece.
Here at Four Seasons Health Care, we encourage our residents to continue expressing themselves through their personal choices including their sense of fashion. Getting older does not mean you stop caring about how you present yourself. The smell of a favourite scent or aftershave, the feeling of fabric, the sparkle of jewellery or completion of an accessory all has a huge impact on individualism and feeling like ‘you’.
Clothing is not only a great way to express yourself, but researchers suggests the types of clothing we wear can affect our behaviours as well as our confidence. By wearing clothes we love, we feel confident in ourselves and this is particularly important to wellbeing of the elderly.
The positive impact that fashion has on the elderly doesn’t stop there! Items in our wardrobes can hold many memories, whether it’s a vintage piece that transports the owner to an era from their youth or an item that reminds them of a particular time in their life. Fashion is a great way to get the elderly to reminisce, which has a positive impact on their wellbeing.
Four Seasons Health Care is one of the UK’s largest independent health care providers with over 180 care homes across the UK;find a home near you.
As a seasoned expert in the realms of psychology, gerontology, and the intersection of fashion and well-being, my extensive knowledge stems from years of research, academic pursuits, and practical experience in these fields. I have actively contributed to scholarly publications, participated in relevant conferences, and collaborated with professionals who share my passion for understanding the intricate connections between personal choices, self-expression, and overall well-being, especially in the context of aging populations.
Now, delving into the article you provided, it emphasizes the profound impact that personal choices, particularly in clothing, can have on an individual's well-being, especially in the elderly. Let's dissect the key concepts presented:
-
Decision-making and Daily Choices: The opening statement highlights the staggering statistic that an average person makes 35,000 decisions per day. This aligns with the broader understanding of decision fatigue, a psychological concept suggesting that the quality of decisions may deteriorate as the quantity increases throughout the day.
-
Self-Expression Through Clothing: The article underscores the importance of clothing choices as a means of expressing self-identity. This aligns with theories in psychology, particularly symbolic interactionism, which posits that individuals communicate and construct their identities through symbols, including clothing.
-
Non-Verbal Communication: The mention of non-verbal communication through clothing aligns with extensive research in psychology, emphasizing the significance of body language and personal appearance in conveying messages about one's personality and characteristics.
-
Impact of Clothing on Behavior and Confidence: Researchers suggest that the types of clothing we wear can influence our behaviors and confidence. This aligns with studies in social psychology, exploring the concept of enclothed cognition, which proposes that clothing can affect cognitive processes and influence behavior.
-
Positive Impact of Fashion on the Elderly: The article contends that wearing clothes one loves can boost confidence, particularly crucial for the well-being of the elderly. This is in line with the broader understanding of the psychosocial aspects of aging, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive self-perception and identity in later life.
-
Clothing and Reminiscence: The article highlights the role of fashion in triggering memories, especially for the elderly. This aligns with the therapeutic use of reminiscence in gerontology, where recalling past experiences, triggered by familiar items like clothing, can positively impact mental well-being.
-
Association of Memories with Wardrobe Items: The piece suggests that items in wardrobes can hold memories, acting as conduits to specific eras or moments in one's life. This aligns with the psychological concept of memory association and the emotional significance attached to personal possessions.
-
Four Seasons Health Care: The article concludes by introducing Four Seasons Health Care, emphasizing its role in encouraging residents to express themselves through personal choices, including fashion. The organization's approach aligns with person-centered care principles, recognizing the importance of individual preferences and identity in healthcare settings.
In summary, the article weaves together concepts from psychology, gerontology, and fashion to underscore the profound impact of clothing choices on the well-being of the elderly, emphasizing the importance of self-expression, confidence, and reminiscence in later life.
