Fatigue in the Elderly

As we age, many seniors find they can’t occasionally make it through the day without the odd nap here and there. But napping could indicate more than just natural aging in seniors. Being able to recognize this shift is crucial in providing effective care to our elderly loved ones and keeping them safe and healthy. If an older family member or loved one finds themselves abnormally tired at most times of most days, or is dependent on one or more daytime naps, this may be indicative of a severe fatigue issue. There are several ways to differentiate between what should be considered normal tiredness in seniors, and what could possibly be a telltale sign of serious fatigue, which may require seeking medical assistance.

Sometimes, seniors may feel so frequently fatigued that they may often find themselves unable to recall what their average energy levels used to feel like, and as a result may not even recognize that something is wrong. Some signs of fatigue include frequent complaints of tiredness or sleepiness, excessive sleeping at night through the morning, frequent daily naps, muscle weakness, weight loss, lack of motivation, agitation or mood swings, difficulty concentrating.

There are any number of conditions that can cause extreme fatigue in elderly adults. Many seniors experience difficulty adjusting to sleep-related issues, such as the way that our sleep cycles change as we age. This can make it difficult for seniors to get enough sleep. Performing a sleep study can diagnose issues such as sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome. The hormonal changes age brings can also make getting or staying asleep difficult.

Extreme fatigue in the elderly can also be a side effect of medical treatment, especially for those with chronic illnesses like cancer. There are a great deal of medications that seniors commonly take, such as some blood pressure medications, pain relievers, or antihistamines that can also cause or exacerbate fatigue.

Chronic pain conditions can also cause fatigue. Arthritis and fibromyalgia are two common conditions the elderly suffer from that can result in chronic pain. The constant work that the body performs to lessen and manage the pain can lead to not only physical fatigue, but mental and emotional as well.

Anemia, dehydration, or malnutrition are all common causes as well. Anemia is caused by a lack of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Symptoms of anemia include weakness, feelings of lightheadedness, and fatigue. Anemia can be easily managed with medication. Sudden fatigue in the elderly is often caused by dehydration, and adults should be making sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day lest they find sudden dehydration making them fatigued or lightheaded. Lack of nutrition causes fatigue by not giving the body enough vitamins and minerals and nutrients to keep up energy level and replenish bodily systems.

Normal tiredness usually resolves with rest and is related to recent activity such as energy expenditure or staying up too late. Fatigue will persist despite rest and may include other symptoms like weakness.