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Health & Fitness

LACK OF ENERGY IN ELDERS IS NOT NECESSARILY A SIGN OF AGING

By Toni Lynn Davis, MHA, CNHA, FACHCA

CEO and President Green Hill Inc.

It is said that fatigue and tiredness is one of the major complaints of the elderly. If not a result of an illness or physical disability, fatigue and tiredness may be a result of inactivity, and a lack of stimulation and socialization.

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The National Institute on Aging states ‘“Fatigue” or “exhaustion” is a common clinical complaint among older adults….. Fatigue is often a symptom of underlying medical or psychiatric illness. Cancer, heart disease, chronic lung disease, hypothyroidism, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis are just a few of the many diseases or conditions that may present with fatigue; however, for many older persons, no physiologic or psychological explanation is identified, and fatigue becomes a diagnosis or a syndrome with which the elderly must attempt to cope across all activities of daily living.‘

Lack of energy is not a normal part of aging. We all know people in their 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s that seem to have a boundless amount of energy to engage in a variety of activities. In a recent study online in the Journals of Gerontology, Series B, it was found, from a survey of 13,000 Americans, that people 65 and over say they are far less tired than teenagers, and younger Americans. The survey considered the level of tiring activity people engaged in, ethnic backgrounds, how much sleep they have, among other factors. Contrary to the popular misconception, tiredness and aging are not synonymous. Tiredness in the elderly is more likely to be an indication that a physical or mental health issue is being fostered.

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In a study from Columbia University, researchers urged physician to take elders complaints of tiredness seriously. Fatigue in elders is shown to be caused by, or can lead to, other health issues such trouble walking, incontinence, heart and kidney disorders, arthritis, lung disease, anemia, depression, sleep apnea, or other age-related ailments. In the study they call unexplained fatigue and tiredness the ‘geriatric syndrome’.

The National Institute on Aging recommends management of fatigue includes, education, encouraging exercise, practicing energy conservation, avoiding isolation, counseling, addressing depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and pain, and monitoring medication.

At Green Hill we have found that with the exception of medical issues causing fatigue, keeping active and engaged, participating in exercise classes and taking walks all keep our elder’s energy level up, and reduces instances of melancholy and depression. If you are concerned about the energy level of your elder loved one, if they are sleeping more, feeling lethargic, or are uninterested in activities, make an appointment with your doctor. To help maintain your elder’s energy level, provide daily opportunities for physical exercise, like walking, dancing or yoga stretching. Engage your elder daily in mental activities such as reading, crossword puzzles, or an arts and crafts activity. Take your elder out to participate in community events, and to socialize with family and friends. Keeping your elder active will go a long way to keeping them energized, engaged and healthy.

http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20080808/fatigue-among-elders-tied-to-other-ills

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