Extreme fatigue in seniors can be caused by a variety of conditions.
Springing our clocks forward left many of us feeling sluggish from losing that extra hour of sleep. Eventually, our bodies adjust to the time change, making it easier to get through the day. Imagine feeling exhausted and lethargic almost all of the time, regardless of how much you sleep. Extreme fatigue in seniors is a troublesome reality and can be tough to overcome.
Anthem Home Care shares several of the contributing factors behind extreme fatigue in seniors:
What Causes Extreme Fatigue in Seniors?
- Medical conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular illnesses, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and others;
- Medication side effects;
- Anemia;
- Sleep disorders;
- Depression, anxiety, and grief;
- Boredom and loneliness;
- Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as a poor diet, too little physical activity, or too much alcohol;
There are some strategies senior adults can try to regain energy throughout the day. A great starting point is creating a fatigue journal and documenting the times of day when fatigue is most impactful. Is it before or after eating? Immediately after waking up? After an extended period of watching TV? After taking particular medications? Understanding the patterns of fatigue often helps pinpoint the cause.
Tips to Alleviate Elderly Fatigue
- Schedule a medical checkup. Bring the older adult’s fatigue journal to their doctor appointment to review the condition, rule out any underlying conditions and offer recommendations to help.
- Implement an exercise regimen. Physical activity strengthens the lungs, heart, and muscles while boosting mood, appetite, and general outlook on life.
- Skip naps during the day. This can be very problematic for someone who has chronic fatigue. Avoiding midday naps will encourage an improved night’s sleep.
- Stop smoking immediately. Smoking can cause a variety of medical problems that diminish energy levels. A doctor can help with an older adult’s nicotine addiction as needed.
- Seek professional counseling. Talking through life’s challenges with a licensed therapist is a great way to minimize stress, often resulting in improved sleep patterns. The therapist can also recommend calming techniques like mindfulness, meditation, prayer, or deep breathing exercises that any senior adult can do at home.
It is worthwhile to know that the foods aging adults consume can also play a significant role in fatigue levels. Alicia Arbaje, MD, MPH, a geriatrician at Johns Hopkins, stated, “Packaged, processed foods tend to make you feel sluggish and heavy.” Fresh, whole foods are best, along with those containing vitamin B12, found in nondairy fortified milks and animal proteins.
Let Anthem Home Care, a Corpus Christi home care provider for the surrounding areas, help a senior loved one with chronic fatigue. We can ensure that medications are taken correctly, prepare healthy and balanced meals, provide motivation to stay physically active, and offer friendly companionship all along the way. Call us for a free in-home consultation at 361-643-2323 for additional details on home care in Taft or a nearby community and how we can provide a sunnier outlook on life for older adults at home. For a full list of all of the communities where we provide care, please see our Service Area page.