Table of Content
Seniors often dismiss fatigue as simply a side effect of aging, but mental and physical fatigue should never be ignored. Fatigue tends to make seniors feel like they lack energy or interest, and it can be a sign something else is wrong. These seven conditions are often the underlying cause of fatigue among the elderly.
1. Sleep Disorders
One of the most basic causes of fatigue is insomnia, which makes it difficult for seniors to fall asleep or stay asleep. Even when seniors think they’re getting enough sleep each night, fatigue can be a sign something is affecting the quality of sleep. Seniors may need to get sleep studies done to see if they have sleep apnea or acid reflux.
Professional caregivers in Westminster can help seniors avoid fatigue, handle daily tasks, and lead healthier lives. Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated 24-hour home care, you can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. Our caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.
2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
This condition is particularly common among seniors who have smoked for many years. Repetitive damage to the lung tissue makes it harder for the lungs to oxygenate the blood. Without enough oxygen, seniors with COPD tend to be short of breath and feel constantly tired.
3. Heart Disease
General feelings of fatigue often occur because a senior isn’t getting enough oxygen-rich blood circulating throughout the body. Even milder issues like narrowed arteries or slightly prolapsed valves can be enough to cause fatigue. This type of weariness often occurs alongside an irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or chest pain, and it should never be ignored.
4. Depression
Seniors have a high risk of depression. Though depression is often associated with sadness, it can sometimes lead to fatigue and exhaustion. If there’s no physical cause for the fatigue, it may be time to speak to a therapist.
Professional caregivers can provide regular socialization that helps seniors keep depression at bay. For families living in Westminster, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
5. Arthritis
Both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can cause fatigue in multiple ways. The inflammation associated with arthritis puts a lot of stress on the body, causing feelings of fatigue. Seniors also end up with arthritis-related fatigue because the chronic pain and insomnia make it more difficult for them to rest.
6. Anemia
Anemia occurs when a person doesn’t have enough red blood cells. It’s quite common among seniors, and its symptoms include fatigue, pale skin, and dizziness. Anemia in aging adults is most commonly caused by iron, folate, and B12 deficiencies, so it’s important to make sure they eat nutritious meals.
7. Kidney Disorders
The lungs and heart aren’t the only organs that cause fatigue. Seniors living with kidney disorders tend to feel fatigued and confused because the body isn’t properly filtering out water and toxins. Kidney disorders include infections, cysts, and kidney failure, and they all require immediate medical attention.
Seniors are susceptible to a variety of medical conditions that can cause fatigue and other health issues. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional Westminster Home Care. Westminster families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. Assisting Hands Home Care can be your trusted partner when your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging. Call us today to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.
