Elder Self Neglect What can we learn from

Elder Self Neglect: What can we learn from selfneglecting elders? Dr. Tova Band-Winterstein, Mrs. Sigal Naim, & Dr. Israel (Issi) Doron Department of Gerontology University of Haifa, Israel Acknowledgments: This study was funded by Macabbi Health Care Services Research Fund in Israel

Who is this?

What is elder ‘self neglect”? o o The general context of “elder abuse and neglect” The general uniqueness of self neglect The difficulties with the definition and the question of culture Main manifestations: “medical” and “ecological”

The Extent of the Phenomenon o o o The difficulties in “measuring” elder abuse and neglect; The difficulties in “measuring” elder self neglect and lack of evaluation tools The different legal framework and lack of mandatory reporting;

The Characteristics of elder self ד neglect o o o Older old; Sickness and disability Cognitive impairments Lower socio-economic level Loneliness

The Study o o Methodology in general; The sample; o 16 interviewees; 10 women and six men. Their age range was between 62 and 90 years, with mean age 73 years. o Procedure Ethics o

Theme 1: Life course o "I was unlucky: " a life replete with suffering, losses and uprootedness

Theme 2: Normality o "That's the way it is: " Selfneglect as a reality that had become normal routine

Theme 3: Old Age as an “Amplifier” o "They tell me that I'm disabled: " Old age as exacerbating situations of self-neglect.

Theme 4: “My Empire” o "My empire: " The person behind the selfneglect

Discussion o o o The broken and incoherent narratives; “Old age” and self neglect; The inappropriateness of paternalistic intervention;

Thoughts before ending. . . o o Limitations; The need for further research; Ageism and self neglect in old age; Policy Implications and the ethical dilemma;

Back to Diogenes: o o o It was in Corinth that a meeting between Alexander the Great and Diogenes is supposed to have taken place. While Diogenes was relaxing in the sunlight in the morning, Alexander, thrilled to meet the famous philosopher, asked if there was any favour he might do for him. Diogenes replied, "Yes, stand out of my sunlight".

Thank you very much. o o o Dr. Israel (Issi) Doron; Dr. Tova Band-Winterstein; Mrs. Sigal Naim; Department of Gerontlogy University of Haifa, Israel