With age comes an increased risk of health problems, and unfortunately, many older adults find themselves facing a cancer diagnosis. Cancer is an umbrella term for a wide range of illnesses, and the prognosis can vary based on a number of circumstances. Some seniors who are diagnosed with cancer completely overcome the disease and go on to live for many more years, but others experience a more difficult battle.
No matter the type or stage of cancer you have, the diagnosis can change your day-to-day routine as well as your overall outlook on life. You may have moments of anxiety, fear, depression, anger, or confusion. Everyone reacts to bad news differently, and there is no incorrect way to respond to a diagnosis. However, learning healthy ways of coping with a cancer diagnosis can help you stay positive and enjoy your life despite your health struggles.
Here Are 10 Suggestions for Seniors and Their Loved Ones Who Are Trying to Cope with a Cancer Diagnosis
1. Educate yourself on your diagnosis.
When you receive a cancer diagnosis, your mind may immediately go to the worst possible outcomes. Not knowing what to expect from a health problem will only add to your anxiety, so educating yourself about the diagnosis can help to put your mind at ease. One reason that a cancer diagnosis is so difficult is because it can make you feel like you don’t have control over your own life. Learning as much as possible can help you regain that sense of control.
Your doctors probably have recommendations for reading materials and other resources you can use to educate yourself about your cancer diagnosis. The internet can be an excellent resource, too, but you should be wary of unhelpful, inaccurate, or untrustworthy sources.
2. Follow a healthy lifestyle.
When you’re going through a health crisis, it may feel like a waste to follow a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining healthy habits can help you stay physically strong as you undergo cancer treatment, though. There are also plenty of mental health benefits to healthy living. Try to eat balanced, nutritious meals and get regular exercise throughout the week. Be sure to get plenty of sleep, too.
3. Accept support from others.
Asking for and accepting help can be especially difficult for seniors, but it’s necessary when you’re going through a major health concern. You don’t have to pour your heart out to your loved ones if you’re uncomfortable opening up about your emotions, but reaching out for practical support can greatly ease the mental burden of a cancer diagnosis.
If someone asks what they can do to help you, be honest with them. If you need transportation to an appointment or need help keeping your home clean while going through treatment, your loved ones are ready to assist.
4. Engage with your community.
Socializing is one of the best coping strategies for any stressful life event. While you shouldn’t use socialization as a constant distraction from your emotions, getting out of the house and engaging with your community can offer relief if you feel consumed by your stress or anxiety. Community involvement is a great reminder that you have meaning and purpose in life beyond your physical health.
5. Seek out professional resources in your area.
If your family and friends can only offer limited support while you receive cancer treatment, look into community organizations in your area that provide support for older adults. For example, your local Meals on Wheels chapter may bring you meals if you’re not well enough to cook for yourself. Other programs may provide transportation to hospitals and clinics or connect you with support groups.
These organizations are dedicated to helping people in need, and the resources they offer can make the logistics of managing your cancer treatment much easier. By reducing the burden on yourself, you have more energy to take care of your mental and emotional health.
6. Think about your goals and values.
Coping with cancer may require you to gain a new awareness of your perspective on your life. Now is a great time to think deeply about what you value most and what provides you with the most meaning. You might realize that spending time with loved ones is your top priority, or you may set a goal to make your mark on the world through community service. By identifying your values and defining your aspirations for the future, you can feel a strong sense of purpose in spite of your diagnosis.
7. Be aware of the stigma you may experience.
Hopefully, the people in your life are understanding about your diagnosis and don’t treat you differently after you reveal the news. Unfortunately, though, cancer and other illnesses do carry some stigma. You might hear inappropriate questions about your health, or you may notice that people make assumptions about you based on your diagnosis.
Plan in advance for how you’ll respond to these challenges. Being prepared with a statement or course of action can help you feel less disheartened if someone does something insensitive, and brushing off the situation will prevent it from affecting your mental or emotional health.
8. Practice gratitude.
There are so many small moments in life that we forget to be grateful for, and the world can feel particularly bleak when you’re facing a new diagnosis. Making a conscious choice to be grateful is one of the best strategies for coping with cancer. Whenever you experience a small moment of joy or peace, take a moment to acknowledge what you’re grateful for. Focusing on gratitude can do wonders for your emotional health, and it can make the stress of cancer treatment feel more manageable.
9. Try relaxation and meditation exercises.
If you often feel anxious, tense, or fearful about your cancer diagnosis, relaxation exercises may be the perfect coping strategies. The more you practice these exercises throughout your day, the easier it will become to access a state of relaxation when your anxiety starts to take over your thoughts. Deep breathing exercises can be particularly helpful for soothing anxiety, and many seniors also enjoy mindfulness meditation. You can explore different types of relaxation practices to find the methods that work best for you.
10. Talk to a therapist.
Adjusting to life after a cancer diagnosis can be difficult, and it’s not uncommon for cancer to take a serious emotional toll. If you feel like your emotions about your diagnosis are preventing you from finding joy and meaning in life, it may be time to talk to a therapist. Counseling offers a private, safe environment for you to express your thoughts and process your feelings about your health. You and your therapist can explore different coping strategies that may help you strengthen your mental health during such a challenging time.
A cancer diagnosis is scary news, but you don’t have to deal with this situation on your own. Blue Moon Senior Counseling provides mental health services for older adults dealing with cancer and other health issues. Please reach out to us today if you or a loved one is experiencing mental health concerns.