Psychosocial Approaches in Elderly Cancer Patients
摘要
The quality of life in old age is directly proportional to the preservation of the physical and mental capacity and autonomy of the individual. According to many approaches that define old age as a decrease in the ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions, it is essential to preserve the activities of daily living of elderly individuals as much as possible, prevent or reduce psychological symptoms, and create psychosocial support systems. However, with aging, capacity is lost, especially in biological terms, and the risk of cancer increases with chronic diseases. Despite advancements in oncologic treatment protocols and biomedical advances, such as hormonotherapy and smart drug applications, cancer is currently equated with death. In addition to death, the diagnosis of cancer, which causes pain and suffering, creates a crisis that requires urgent intervention plans and practices. Psychosocial interventions are especially important for older patient individuals diagnosed with cancer who are overwhelmed by the burden of old age and cancer diagnosis. This chapter reviews the subjective perspective on cancer diagnosis, provides information on aging and old age, and discusses psychosocial intervention techniques to overcome the multiplied challenges of cancer and old age.