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Reducing the potential for suffering in older adults with advanced cancer

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 February 2010

Genevieve N. Thompson  and
Harvey M. Chochinov
Genevieve N. Thompson
Affiliation:
Manitoba Palliative Care Research Unit, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Harvey M. Chochinov*
Affiliation:
Manitoba Palliative Care Research Unit, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Harvey Chochinov, c/o CancerCare Manitoba, 3017-675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0V9, Canada. E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Objective:

To deliver quality care at the end of life, understanding the impact of various changes and life transitions that occur in older age is essential. This review seeks to uncover potential sources of distress in an elder's physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being to shed light on the unique challenges and needs facing this age group.

Methods:

Papers relating to older adults (aged 65 years and older or a mean age of 65 years and older) with advanced/terminal cancer receiving palliative, hospice, or end-of-life care published after 1998 were reviewed.

Results:

Older adults with advanced cancer have unique needs related to changes in their physical, psychological, social, and spirituals well-being. Changes in each of these domains offer not only the risk of causing distress but also the potential for growth and development during the final stages of advanced cancer.

Significance of results:

Being aware of the various changes that occur with aging will help health care professionals tailor interventions to promote dignity-conserving care and greatly reduce the potential for suffering at the end of life.

Keywords

Older adultAdvanced cancerPalliative careDistressQuality of life
Type
Review Article
Information
Palliative & Supportive Care , Volume 8 , Issue 1 , March 2010 , pp. 83 - 93
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2010

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