Psychosocial Health of Older Adults with Cancer: Clinical Interventions Promoting Meaning and Value-Driven Behavior

The last decade has evidenced a strong push by the interdisciplinary medical community to improve mental health service delivery with older adults. As this momentum grows, additional questions are raised regarding the utility of psychosocial interventions specifically aimed for chronically and terminally ill geriatric populations. Cancer diagnosis among those aged 65 and older is pervasive. Further understanding about the psychological, spiritual and existential issues older adults face when living with cancer is needed. Interventions that promote psychological growth and quality of life are also warranted. The following review article highlights clinical interventions designed to improve the psychosocial health of older adults with cancer. A focus is offered on interventions specifically designed for oncogeriatric populations, while also noting novel and viable treatments that promote meaning, acceptance, and values. Additionally, how these interventions have reached with caregivers and families is also addressed.

Duke Scholars

Author Katherine Ramos Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Adult Psychiatry & Psychol ...