5 Ways Seniors Can Stay Healthy After Mesothelioma Diagnosis

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the protective lining of the abdomen or lungs. It takes quite a long time to develop but when it does, it can be very aggressive and incapacitating.

It can be quite overwhelming when a senior loved one is diagnosed with Mesothelioma. Due to its long latency period, it typically affects people of or over the age of 60. Seniors with this disease mostly have a poorer prognosis as compared to younger adults with Mesothelioma.

Homes Care Fair Oaks, CA recommends some essential health tips to help your senior loved one with Mesothelioma retain and preserve their health and wellbeing.

1. Exercise

Exercising may get challenging for most elderly, particularly those undergoing respiratory cancer, but it is vital for seniors’ overall health. Mesothelioma treatments include radiation therapy or chemotherapy, which often leaves seniors with frail muscles, fatigue, and poor appetite. These conditions make high-impact exercises nearly impossible, but low-impact exercises, like Tai Chi, yoga, and swimming, are found to lower fatigue and progress cardiorespiratory fitness. You loved one can also benefit mentally while enhancing their mood and outlook on life.

2. Nutrition

It is closely associated to exercise. A healthy diet tends to increase muscle mass and strength and enhances mood and immune system. Quality nutrition fuels functions of the body. Vegetables, fish, whole grains, and fruits are energizing whole foods but processed foods tend to diminish the already existing health. A dietitian or even a home care caregiver can also help your loved one to navigate the process.

3. In-Home Care Support

Your loved one many him or herself unable to carry out many tasks of daily living that they used to do once before their diagnosis. You can also help your loved one by hiring an in-home caregiver to offer services and compassion to let your loved one feel encouraged. They will not only assist with cooking or on-time medications but will also offer personal care services and transportation to medical follow-ups to help make aging better. Having someone by their side will provide your loved one with a sense of protection and motivation.

4. Positive Outlook on Life

Just as healthy eating and exercising improve mood and wellbeing, staying positive can also have a significant impact on their cancer prognosis. A positive and optimistic behavior can improve the management of treatment and help recover fast. Staying positive with such a disease isn’t easy but with a strong support system of friends and family can make it a lot easier.

5. Find Happiness in Life

Another way to stay positive is seniors must not let go of things they enjoy and like about life. Maintaining hobbies and other activities that make them happy is just as important as eating daily meals. If some of their hobbies include intense physical activity may not be considered but it is important to find other hobbies that please them and set short term goals of tasks and activities to have them a sense of accomplishment.

Staying healthy for an elderly living with Mesothelioma is not just about getting regular treatments. These healthy habits can be just as beneficial in some ways. You can also enhance you loved one’s lifestyle and overall wellbeing with the support of home care experts to allow your loved one age in place healthier and happier.