Fatigue in the Elderly: Causes, Symptoms and How to Help
What Is Fatigue in Old Age?
We all feel tired sometimes, whatever our age. But if it’s happening a lot in older age, and to extremes, then it’s important to have a chat with your GP to rule out any underlying causes. Fatigue in the Elderly can be due to many factors including medical treatments (such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy), untreated pain, recovering from surgery and chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, or thyroid disease.
Common Causes of Fatigue in the Elderly
Medical Conditions
If you are feeling tired, it can be a symptom of an underlying health condition, so contact your GP for a simple blood test.
Medications
Medication side effects can disrupt sleep or bring on fatigue, so chat with your GP about adjusting doses or types of medication.
Poor Sleep
Adults aged 60 or over are more susceptible to insomnia, often due to pain, body clock changes, and decreased melatonin.
Mental Health and Loneliness
You may you feel more active when you’re happy, but tiredness and exhaustion tends to kick in when you feel down.
Emotional Exhaustion
Grief, depression, anxiety and loss of independence can all cause emotional exhaustion and impact your sleep.
Poor Nutrition and Dehydration
Poor nutrition, such as caffeine, sugary snacks and fried, processed foods, can impact your digestive system and energy levels.
Causes of Extreme Fatigue in the Elderly
Sudden extreme fatigue in the elderly can result from various factors, including underlying medical conditions, medication side effects, nutritional deficiencies, and poor sleep quality. Emotional well-being and lifestyle choices also significantly impact fatigue. Lack of quality sleep due to frequent waking at night is one of the most common causes and if you wake due to loud snoring or choking it could be a sign of sleep apnoea. The NHS says that “Your symptoms might give you an idea of what’s causing your tiredness or fatigue. But do not self-diagnose – see a GP if you’re worried.”
How Is Fatigue in Older People Diagnosed?
When constant tiredness starts to overcome daily life, you shouldn’t just accept it as your reality. Going to see a medical professional will begin investigations and give you peace of mind that your symptoms are valid. Your GP will probably want to discuss any medications you’re taking, ask you about your routine, and will possibly suggest some blood tests to rule out any underlying causes.
How to Help an Elderly Person With Fatigue
You don’t have to be a gym fanatic or to sleep most of the day to help reduce tiredness. Even small changes to your lifestyle can help.
Incorporating exercise
You may feel that exercise will make you more tired; however, it increases oxygen levels in your body. Something small, such as a 15-minute walk can give you an energy boost.
Sleep routine
Try and stick to the same sleep times and aim for six to nine hours of sleep. As we get older, we tend to find it more difficult to get to sleep or stay asleep at night. So, before bedtime, try to wind down.
Eating nutritious foods
According to the National Sleep Foundation, “Consuming a high-fibre diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat proteins – while avoiding foods with added sugars – is ideal.”
Get enough vitamins
Specific vitamins, including vitamins B and D, help the body produce melatonin, a hormone that supports sleep. Foods that include vitamin B are leafy greens, eggs, dairy products and legumes.
Keep hydrated
The Sleep Foundation states, “People who are suffering from significant dehydration often find that they feel extremely tired, lethargic or fatigued.” Caffeine and alcohol can also lead to you feeling tired.
Ask for help
If managing household duties is making you feel overwhelmed and tired, or you’re finding it difficult to carry out certain errands, Helping Hands can help, whether vacuuming the house or doing the laundry.
When Should You Be Worried About Fatigue in Old Age?
If you don’t live close to loved ones you may be concerned about how you’ll manage if fatigue increases. You may have had blood tests at the doctor’s and be awaiting results, or they may be clear, but your fatigue continues. If your doctor is still investigating but cannot find anything wrong, it could be an age-related reason, which is why you should rest when you can, and accept help if it’s offered. Whether loved ones offer to do tasks for you or you decide to engage professional support, help is available.
How Helping Hands Can Help
Our elderly care services can make all the difference to your daily life. Our visiting and live-in care can support you with household duties, accompany you into the community and prepare meals the way you like them. This additional support at home can help reduce fatigue, as all you have to do each day is enjoy your leisure time. Our carers are compassionate professionals who can also help with tasks such as the laundry and washing up, grocery shopping, and personal care.
FAQs
While some decrease in energy is normal with ageing, persistent or chronic fatigue is not a normal part of getting older and often signals underlying health issues. Always consult a healthcare professional to rule out more serious concerns.
Fatigue in the elderly can occur due to chronic illnesses, medications, and mental health issues; there isn’t always just one cause. A healthcare professional will investigate appropriately to put a plan of action into place.
Everyone is different; however, on average, over 65s need 7–8 hours, while individuals over 75 may find 6–7 hours enough, especially if they rest during the day. Adjusting sleep patterns to suit the individual – such as earlier sleep and waking times – will find what works best.
If you are looking for support with your fatigue you should have a chat with our friendly customer care team, any day of the week. You can also contact us via our website, request a callback or pop into your local branch.