Challenges in Geriatrics Palliative Care

Abstract

The perception of “illnesses” in old age presents varying experiences and needs in societies globally. Although the population of elderly individuals is increasing in several countries at different rates due to various factors, significant challenges still exist related to an increase of chronic conditions in the geriatric population. Research has clearly identified gaps not only in geriatric specialists in many parts of the world but also in a multidisciplinary care team for geriatric patients under palliative management. There exist limitations in both human and non-human resources for optimal care to elderly patients with chronic illnesses. This chapter also discusses the key challenging manifestations and complications like pain and cardiorespiratory derangement brought about by several life limiting chronic conditions. There is complexity in management due to physiological variations that come with old age and further derangement due to pathological processes of life-threatening conditions like cancer are also discussed in this chapter.