Elder self neglect: A geriatric syndrome or a life course story?

• Published in: Journal of aging studies Vol. 26; no. 2; pp. 109 - 118
• Main Authors: Band-Winterstein, Tova, Doron, Israel (Issi), Naim, Sigal
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Inc 01-04-2012; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Aging; Elder Abuse; Elder neglect; Elderly; Empires; Geriatrics; Internal Medicine; Life History; Methodology (Data Collection); Mistreatment; Neglect; Older people; Phenomenology; Qualitative research; Self neglect; Suffering; Elder abuse; Elder neglect; Mistreatment; Self neglect; Neglect
• ISSN: 0890-4065; 1879-193X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaging.2011.10.001

Abstract Aims To explore the unique aspects of the elder self-neglect phenomenon and to achieve phenomenological understanding of self-neglect through the eyes of self-neglecting elders. Method A qualitative study based on a sample of 16 self-neglecting elders. Data collection was performed through in-depth semi-structured interviews, followed by content analysis. Findings Four major themes emerged from the older participants: “I was unlucky:” a life course of suffering; “That's the way it is:” self-neglect as a routine of life; “They tell me that I'm disabled:” old age as exposing situations of self-neglect; “My empire:” how do I perceive my old age. Conclusions Self-neglect is not necessarily an issue of old age, but is related to the person's life history. Self-neglect as a way of life accompanied the participants into old age, but it was not originated or created there. The overall message of the self-neglecting elders was to see them as human beings and not as old neglected people; not to label them as an “age syndrome” but to perceive them in a holistic and humanistic manner.