The older cancer patient: Religious and spiritual dimensions

Abstract

The goals of care are based on the values of each individual: setting the goals of care is a spiritual endeavor. Accordingly, this chapter examines the definition of religion and spirituality, the influence of religion and spirituality on the management of the older person, and the clinical assessment of religion and spirituality. In general religion and spirituality have been associated with better tolerance of chronic diseases and more satisfactory caregiving experience in patients with chronic diseases and their families, and all providers need to recognize that medical emergency that is referred to as spiritual distress can be properly managed by a chaplain. Spiritual distress is a cause of poor quality of life and may lead to treatment failure from desperation and lack of motivation. Religion and spirituality may play a specially important role in themanagement of older cancer patient aswith aging there is an increased interest in the meaning of life and in spiritual accomplishments (gerotranscendence). Each person should have adequate evaluation of spiritual and religious resources, and the practitioner should be experienced in utilizing these resources appropriately to improve a patient outcome and to support the patient’s quality of life.