Reducing the potential for suffering in older adults with advanced cancer.
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 spiritual 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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Thompson
Genevieve N
GN
Manitoba Palliative Care Research Unit, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Chochinov
Harvey M
HM
D006738:Hospices; D006801:Humans; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010146:Pain / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000379:methods*