Adults feel tired periodically for a number of normal reasons. General fatigue may become chronic or happen more frequently than normal. This problem occurs for a number of reasons that may need medical intervention.
The Aging Process
As adults become older, their bodies begin to succumb to years of wear and tear. The musculoskeletal system weakens, which prevents seniors from engaging in activities they formerly enjoyed due to weakness and fatigue. However, older adults have the ability to overcome the problem by ensuring they eat healthy diets and get regular physical activity and adequate sleep. In time, their bodies strengthen, and seniors find they become tired less frequently.
If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of homecare services. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
Sedentary Lifestyle
A lack of regular physical activity can cause musculoskeletal and cardiovascular weakening in older adults. When sedentary seniors attempt to perform physical tasks, they become tired easily. To remedy the problem, seniors need to make a concentrated effort to become more active. They can perform simple exercises during TV commercials or start going for short walks daily. As strength increases, they can increase the duration and intensity of the activity.
Chronic Pain
Having to manage chronic pain from autoimmune disorders, arthritis, old injuries, or other ailments takes a toll on the body. The stress of living with chronic pain depletes an older adult mentally and physically, which leads to fatigue and perhaps depression. Seniors need to seek assistance from healthcare providers to find solutions.
Chronic Medical Conditions
Cardiovascular disease, COPD, diabetes, and other chronic disorders have debilitating effects on the body that manifest in fatigue. Disorders may prevent the heart or the lungs from adequately pumping oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, which interferes with the body’s ability to engage in any activities without causing fatigue. Older adults need to take medications and treatments as prescribed. They should consult with physicians for assistance with developing plans that may enable them to become more physically active to regain strength and durability.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of at-home care Vancouver, BC, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Anemia
Many older adults develop anemia for a variety of reasons. They may not consume enough protein and nutrients, which are needed to manufacture iron in the blood, or they might have disorders that interfere with red blood cell development or destroy the cells prematurely. The lack of healthy iron-rich blood leads to fatigue. Laboratory testing is needed to determine the precise underlying causes so physicians can create treatment plans.
Medications
Antihistamines, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and prescription opioid pain medications are some of the formulations known to cause drowsiness and fatigue as side effects. Other drugs that may cause a problem include beta-blockers prescribed for abnormal heart rate and high blood pressure. Antidiarrheal and anti-nausea medications are also suspect. Some medications require time for the body to adapt to their formulas. Sometimes the dosage is too high. If the problem persists, older adults need to consult with their physicians to find solutions. Perhaps a different medication may produce satisfactory results without causing fatigue.
Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing a serious illness and require more extensive live-in care. Vancouver seniors can count on Home Care Assistance to provide the in-home care they need and deserve. Call us today at (778) 279-3634 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.