Self-care among older adults

Personal Factors Predictive of Health-Related Lifestyles of Community-Dwelling Older Adults

“…That is, older adults' perceptions of their health status are generally self-determining (DeSalvo, Bloser, Reynolds, He, & Muntner, 2006). Studies have shown that older adults with poor perceptions of health are less likely to engage in exercise routines (Rakowski & Mor, 1992) and self-care (Haug, Wykle, & Namazi, 1989) and are more likely to have health risk behaviors, such as smoking and heavy alcohol consumption (Hirdes & Forbes, 1993). Self-rating of health may hold the key to understanding the influences of various psychocognitive factors (e.g., self-efficacy, motivation, personal values, preferences) on health-promoting behaviors of older adults (DeSalvo et al, 2006).…”

Co‐Production and Self‐Care: New Approaches to Managing Community Care Services for Older People1

“…Alternatively self care is defined as treatment for a perceived symptom and refers simply to self medication with non-prescription drugs. In this case it may or may not be viewed as beneficial by health professionals (Haug et al, 1989). A more modern development which is diametrically opposed to Illich's original approach sees self care as a component of health promotion.…”

Self-Care Responses to Illness of Patients with Various Cancer Diagnoses

“…According to the results of some studies, locus of control variables correlated weakly with preventive health practices such as smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise (211, self-care including self-medication (lo), and the decision to contact health professionals (27). The findings indicated that self-care behavior is determined by a person's health status and perceived seriousness of symptoms rather than by general health beliefs.…”

“…White et al (34) reported a significant association between low levels of education and cognitive impairments in the elderly. Haug et al (27) found that the elderly experience more severe symptoms than younger individuals.…”