"Self-esteem of older adults is tied into independence and dependence." Discuss.

Answers will vary. Being able to care for oneself would appear to be a core condition of successful aging. Older people who are independent tend to think of themselves as leading a "normal life," whereas those who are dependent on others, even if they are only slightly dependent, tend to worry more about aging and encountering physical disabilities and stress. Dependence on others to carry out the activities of daily living increases with age. A particularly sensitive independence issue is toileting. Interviews found that independence in toileting is especially important in enabling older people to avoid slippage in self-esteem.