Self-care and the elderly: review and implications

Self-care is the most predominant and basic form of primary care, yet research in the area, particularly with respect to the elderly, has been minimal. As a result, despite the breadth of the self-care movement, very little is precisely known and understood about it. Diminished functional health status is the major cause of loss of independence. Self-care is conceptualized as an important strategy in maintaining functional health.