How Fatigue in Seniors May Indicate Underlying Health Issues

By Marina Pink | May 2, 2024 |

Our bodies change as we get older, and feeling tired sometimes is a normal part of it. Fatigue, however, might be more than just an inevitable part of aging if it persists and starts to interfere with day-to-day activities. In fact, fatigue in seniors is frequently a warning sign, indicating underlying medical conditions that require treatment. The good news is that senior home care can monitor seniors to assess whether fatigue is simply due to being tired or something more.

Understanding Senior Fatigue

Senior fatigue goes beyond simply feeling worn out. It can have a serious negative influence on a quality of life. Fatigue presents as either physical exhaustion, mental fatigue, or both. As mentioned, occasional exhaustion is common, but excessive or persistent fatigue that does not go away with rest is something that has to be addressed. Senior home care is not only able to distinguish between exhaustion that may be related to underlying medical issues and fatigue brought on by lifestyle variables like stress or inadequate sleep but also teach seniors and loved ones how to do the same.

What Health Problems Might be Linked to Fatigue?

These are just a few of the health problems that might be linked to fatigue:

Anemia: Anemia is characterized by weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Whether it’s dietary deficits or long-term conditions like cancer or kidney illness, treating the underlying cause of anemia is essential to helping those who suffer from it manage their fatigue.
Thyroid Disorders: Fatigue can result from thyroid problems that interfere with the body’s metabolism and energy production, such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Additional signs and symptoms could be hunger changes, mood swings, and weight fluctuations.
Sleep Apnea: The hallmark of sleep apnea is disrupted breathing during the night, which results in restless nights and exhaustion during the day. Although it can affect people of any age, seniors are more likely to experience it. In addition to making them more tired, untreated sleep apnea raises their chance of developing heart problems and other illnesses.
Heart Conditions: In addition, heart failure, arrhythmias, and coronary artery disease are among the underlying cardiac disorders that can manifest as fatigue. A reduction in blood supply to the heart or ineffective cardiac pumping can lead to fatigue and intolerance to physical activity.
Anxiety and Depression: Seniors frequently struggle with mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate fatigue. Long-term stress, social isolation, and significant life changes brought on by aging can all make these diseases worse.

Senior fatigue should be considered a possible sign of underlying health problems rather than just a natural aspect of aging. Improving quality of life and averting more consequences require prompt diagnosis and treatment of these illnesses. The key to treating fatigue and enhancing general well-being in seniors is having the support of senior home care and their medical team.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Senior Home Care in Pasadena, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Care Help. Serving All of Los Angeles County. Call us today at (888) 989-7388

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Marina Pink

Owner at Home Care Help

Marina Pink is the Owner at Home Care Help. Home Care Help is an innovator in providing services in a caring and professional manner. We have an exceptional history, spanning twenty-three years, of providing care to people in moments that matter most. It is our utmost priority to address every need in a timely manner; and, it is our goal, above all else, to give the level of support that enables our residents to have as much independence as possible with care and respect.