Hope i wdnt die soon

Everytime this old man asks the same question "doctor,i hope i wdnt die soon".
                         And almost Everytime i reply in reflex "off course not, you are going to live atleast 100 years of age".
                          This man was under treatment for air borne contact dermatitis and was taking steroids on and off since several years.
                           Was it a normal joke ? A mere ice breaking attempt with serious looking doctors? Or some hidden fear of death ?             
                            Always i think about same questions and try to find out answer looking directly in his eyes .
                            Without steroids he cant live a normal life and with steroids he is not going to live long.