Chronic tiredness in seniors: How to tell when it’s not just old age and what to do

Persistent fatigue in older adults isn’t always a normal part of aging and can signal underlying health issues that need attention and proper care.(Image: Pexels)

Most of us expect our energy levels to dip as we get older. A few more naps, a bit less spring in the step—fair enough, right? But not all fatigue in the elderly should be chalked up to age. Sometimes, that constant tiredness could be the body’s quiet cry for help.

According to Dr Ravi Kumar Shah, Consultant in Internal Medicine at Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram, fatigue that’s new, persistent, or worsening warrants a closer look. “If your elderly parent, partner or someone close seems more tired than usual, watch for changes in appetite, weight loss, breathlessness, or mood shifts,” Dr Shah told Moneycontrol, adding, “Visit a doctor, get a few blood tests done as these can go a long way in catching things early.” Fatigue is the body’s gentle indication that something might be wrong. He informs. “In older adults, we just have to listen a bit more carefully.”

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Dr Shah explains hidden health clues you shouldn’t ignore: 

Not just ageing: While it’s true that older adults tire more easily due to lifestyle changes, reduced muscle mass or medication effects, prolonged or unexplained fatigue shouldn’t be ignored. “Many serious conditions start subtly in the elderly, and fatigue is often one of the earliest signs,” Dr Shah told Moneycontrol. Unlike younger patients who may present with more dramatic symptoms, older adults might only show signs of slowing down, needing more rest or withdrawing from social activities.

Fatigue could be an early warning for heart failure, arrhythmias, or coronary artery disease, where the heart isn’t pumping efficiently. Similarly, lung conditions like COPD or pneumonia, especially in colder months, can leave one breathless and wiped out, even with minimal exertion.

• Infections can be secretive 

-A urinary tract infection (UTI) might just look like confusion or feeling extra tired.

-Sepsis, a serious reaction to infection, can develop slowly, unusual fatigue might be the only early sign.

• Anaemia (low red blood cells)

-It leads to tiredness because the body isn’t getting enough oxygen.

• Thyroid problems

• Diabetes (especially if poorly controlled)

• Adrenal insufficiency

• Certain cancers

-Often show up first as just unexplained, ongoing fatigue.

Mind, medication and more: Let’s not forget the brain. Neurological conditions like Parkinson’s, early dementia, or even after a mild stroke, can quietly drain one’s energy. And there’s the emotional side, depression, anxiety or sleep disturbances often masquerade as tiredness in the elderly.

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Another major contributor, the doctor says, is polypharmacy, the use of multiple medications. “Side effects and drug interactions are a frequent but under-recognised cause of fatigue,” Dr Shah told Moneycontrol. Regular medication reviews can make a big difference.

FAQs about chronic tiredness

1. Why should new or worsening fatigue in the elderly be concerning?

Persistent or worsening fatigue can be an early sign of serious conditions like heart disease, lung issues, infections, or even certain cancers.

2. What should I look out for if my elderly relative is constantly tired?

Watch for changes in appetite, weight loss, breathlessness, or mood shifts, and consult a doctor for further evaluation.

3. Can infections cause fatigue in older adults without showing typical symptoms like fever?

Yes, infections in older adults can be secretive, with fatigue sometimes being the only noticeable symptom.

4. How can medication affect energy levels in the elderly?

Polypharmacy, or the use of multiple medications, can result in side effects and drug interactions that cause fatigue.

5. Are mental health issues a possible cause of fatigue in older adults?

Yes, conditions like depression, anxiety, or sleep disturbances can manifest as fatigue in the elderly.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.