Self-Care among U.S. Elderly

Abstract

The self-care movement is discussed, with emphasis on programs for senior citizens. Self-care is defined and several conceptual classifications of self-care activities are reviewed. Among the aspects of the contemporary self-care movement reviewed are commercialism, professional dominance, potential of self-care groups as political interest groups, and program impact evaluation issues. From an inventory containing over 2000 programs and being constructed as part of a national study of self-care activities, 25 programs with a major focus on self-care training or self-help activities for the elderly were identified. From preliminary information available on these programs, a description is provided of the range within which self-care programs for the elderly vary with respect to five characteristics: (1) program sponsorship and setting, (2) target groups, (3) methods of program implementation, (4) type and size of staff, and (5) program goals and activities. Future directions for program development and research on self-care for the elderly are suggested.