Análisis de la autonegligencia en las personas mayores [Analysis of elder self-neglect]

This article analyses self-neglect in elder people, aiming to promote research and intervention in response to this challenge posed to socio-health services due to the aging of the population. Different aspects related to the conceptualization of self-neglect and the heterogeneity of self-neglecting seniors are examined. Prevalence data, research results about consequences, and research results reflecting a multifactorial geriatric syndrome are analysed. The difficulty of interventions in order to balance the elder people ́s rights and professionals’ obligation to guarantee their well-being is discussed. Finally, the current tendency to establish an integrated care to physical and mental health at the primary care level and to involve people in their self-care is exposed.