Successful Aging and Self-Neglect Among Community-Dwelling Older People.
Esma Nur Sert, Aysegul Ilgaz
PMID 39375188WHAT IT FOUND
Self-neglect is a strong predictor of lower successful aging scores in community-dwelling older adults.
Higher perceived social support predicts better aging outcomes. Screening for self-neglect and assessing social networks are practical steps for nurses supporting older people in primary care.
Key findings
01Self-neglect level is a significant predictor of successful aging in multivariate analysis.
02Perceived psychosocial support is a significant predictor of successful aging.
03More than half of the participants exhibited risk of self-neglect.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study used convenience sampling at a single Family Health Center, limiting generalizability. Data collection occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have influenced self-neglect and aging scores due to isolation and economic factors. The cross-sectional design prevents establishing causality between self-neglect and successful aging.
Declared interests
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that reducing self-neglect will directly improve successful aging outcomes. This is a cross-sectional study showing association, not causation. The pandemic context may have uniquely elevated self-neglect rates and depressed aging scores, so these findings may not reflect typical community levels.