Seniors and Mesothelioma

When a senior citizen is diagnosed with any kind of serious illness, including cancer, many people are affected. Because older individuals are often dependent on others for a variety of needs, adding a terminal illness to the mix means that not only will the patient suffer but also those who offer assistance or care on a regular basis, often the adult children of these individuals or other family member.

Mesothelioma, which is more common in the elderly than in any other age group, is an especially tough disease to handle because it often appears unexpectedly after dozens of years and is particularly aggressive. Seniors, especially those who have other prevailing health problems, can go downhill quickly once diagnosed with the disease, putting a lot of extra stress on loved ones and others responsible for their well-being.

The Statistics

The average age of a mesothelioma patient is 65 years old. That’s because this asbestos cancer can take up to 50 years to develop, finally surfacing decades after initial exposure to the toxic mineral. Hence, older individuals who worked with asbestos before its use was halted in the late 1970s are the prime candidates for developing this disease. Many worked in plants and factories that made widespread use of asbestos including steel mills, power plants, chemical plants, oil refineries, and – most of all – shipyards. As a matter of fact, mesothelioma navy veterans account for about a third of all those diagnosed with the disease.

Living with Mesothelioma

Whether independent or leaning on others for everyday care, seniors with mesothelioma will suffer a huge change in their quality of life while living with this cancer. Mesothelioma, which is already fairly advanced by the time it is diagnosed, may make it difficult to carry on with everyday duties. For example, the independent senior who works part time may need to quit his job. The active volunteer may need to stop doing the philanthropic things he enjoys so much. Those who are used to doing things on their own may need to cease regular activities like shopping, going out to eat with friends, or playing with the grandkids.

This is an especially difficult pill to swallow for seniors affected by asbestos cancer. At this point, loved ones will need to step in, not only to help with everyday tasks but also to watch out for signs of mental stress or anxiety, which can be quite debilitating and may require counseling.

In addition, new living arrangements may need to be made. The senior with mesothelioma may have to move in with their children’s families or arrangements might need to be made for some sort of at-home care.

Sometimes, older asbestos cancer patients also face challenges with bills. Mesothelioma is an expensive disease and seniors on a fixed income with mediocre medical insurance can be overwhelmed by expenses associated with medications, treatment, hospitalization, and more. Family members can get involved by helping with bills when possible or by assisting the patient in finding available resources to help with expenses. For example, mesothelioma navy veterans may find help through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Making Decisions

When an older adult is diagnosed with mesothelioma – or any terminal illness – a lot of decisions about care and other issues need to be made. The old adage “the sooner, the better” applies here. Seniors should take the time in the early stages of their disease to talk with their children about important decisions, allowing them to make these decisions together.

 Issues that will need to be addressed include the aforementioned living arrangements, a living will, a last will and testament, and end of life issues such as when the patient should enter professional nursing care or hospice. Talking together about these issues will make everyone feel better when the time comes to implement them and the caregiver will not feel the burden of making important choices alone.