Health and Social Care Level 3 - Unit 4 - M3

M3 – Discuss the efects on self-esteem and self-confdencee of the physical changes
associated with ageing
In this assignment, I will be discussing the efects on self-esteem and self-confdence, of the physical changes associated
with ageing. I will also explain how these changes afect Amy Winehouse.

Skin;
The skin changes as we age which can afect self-esteem and self-confdence. Amy Winehouse would have experienced
less elasticity in the skin, less fat under the skin and wrinkles as she got older. This would make her feel like she isntt
beautiful anymore which would in turn lower her self-esteem and self-confdence. Amy Winehouse has had self-esteem
issues in the past, and they would get even worse as she got older due to all the physical changes associated with
ageing. She would likely isolate herself and wouldntt want to be seen by others. She may even stop performing in front
of an audience or may not want to be in the public eye. Changes to skin are hard for everybody, especially someone as
famous as Amy Winehouse. This is because she is constantly seen by paparazzi and judged by others. Furthermore, she
would stop socialising with others and would spend more time alone. This would increase her chances of disengaging as
an elderly person.

Senses;
The senses change as we age which can afect self-esteem and self-confdence. Amy Winehouse would have experienced
a decline in her sight and hearing as she got older. Her eyets ability to focus would have decreased and there is a
possibility that she would have goten cataracts or glaucoma. This would afect her self-esteem because she may feel
less confdent in public places. For example, if she had to cross a busy road she would feel unsafe because she wouldntt
be able to see the oncoming cars. This would result in her staying at home more. Furthermore, she would not be able to
hear high pitched sounds and may even completely lose her hearing. This would lower her self-confdence because
when socialising with others, she would not be able to hear what they are saying. She may isolate herself due to this.

Menopause;
Menopause can afect self-esteem and self-confdence. It is common for women to experience a decrease in self-esteem
and self-confdence during menopause. This is due to a fall in oestrogen which afects the nervous system and can
activate the fght-or-light response. Many women start to feel anxiety when it comes to activities that they usually have
no problem doing which leads to low self-confdence over time. For example, Amy Winehouse may start being anxious
about performing on stage which would make her not want to perform her music anymore. However, this can be
prevented by eating a healthy diet, exercising and taking deep breaths. Furthermore, menopause can ofen cause weight
gain in the waist area which would lead to negative body image. This would lower Amyts self-esteem and self-confdence
because she would not like her appearance.

Musculoskeletal system;
The musculoskeletal system changes as we age which can afect self-esteem and self-confdence. Amy Winehouse would
have experienced muscle thinning, decline in mobility and possibly arthritis. This would have lowered her self-
confdence because she would not be able to go out as much anymore. She may also be scared to go out in case she
feels pain in her hips or knees or in case she experiences stifness and isntt able to move as efectively. Furthermore,
going out less would also lead to socialising less which can afect an individualts self-esteem. This is because they would
have a lack of support from others and nobody to reassure them. Another issue linked to the musculoskeletal system