Why Am I So Tired? Causes of Fatigue in Older Adults

Fatigue is a common and often overlooked issue in older adults, with about 42% of seniors reporting significant tiredness. This isn’t just the normal slowing down that comes with age. Ongoing fatigue shows up as persistent low energy that interferes with daily life and overall well-being. It may be linked to sleep, diet, lifestyle habits, or underlying health conditions that need attention. If you or a loved one has been feeling unusually lethargic or noticing a steady drop in energy, this guide explores what fatigue really is, what causes it, and what can help.

Key takeaways

• Fatigue is common among older adults and is more than “just getting older.”
• Age-related energy loss can be managed through diet, exercise and lifestyle changes; while chronic fatigue requires medical intervention.
• Fatigue is linked to several medical conditions and often has mental health components that can be treated with therapy. 

Distinguishing age-related energy loss from chronic fatigue

As we age, we experience a natural decline in energy. Physical tiredness and difficulty completing activities without rest is common among seniors. This includes occasional tiredness and slower recovery after activities without a significant impact on your day-to-day functioning. 

Signs of age-related energy loss:

• Lower stamina: Feeling tired after a brisk walk or a big event and taking a nap or resting to recover.
• Less motivation: Slower to start chores or activities, but can complete them after getting started.
• Energy fluctuations: Feeling tired at certain points of the day, like after eating a hearty meal or as the day progresses.

On the other hand, chronic fatigue is persistent tiredness that interferes with daily life. If you’ve experienced a constant lack of energy for 6 months or more that doesn’t improve after rest, there’s a chance you could have chronic fatigue.

Signs of chronic fatigue in seniors:

• Constant tiredness: Waking up exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep.
• Debilitating exhaustion: Extreme lack of energy that interferes with the ability to carry out daily tasks and activities.

• Sudden drops in energy: Waves of exhaustion that surface for no reason.

Common physical and medical culprits

It’s important to know that fatigue isn’t a diagnosis or disease on its own. But it can be a symptom of underlying medical conditions and should be discussed with your doctor to identify the root cause. 

Some common reasons for fatigue in older adults include:

• Cardiovascular disease 
• Chronic lung conditions such as COPD
• Anemia or other blood disorders
• Endocrine disorders like thyroid disease 
• Infections such as UTIs
• Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea
• Chronic pain like arthritis and fibromyalgia
• Nutritional deficiencies from a lack of vitamin D, vitamin B12, or iron
• Medications such as blood pressure medication, antidepressants, antihistamines, and sedatives

Red flags: when fatigue may signal a health crisis

It’s important to pay attention to symptoms that go beyond age-related tiredness or exhaustion. Consult a medical professional promptly if you or your loved one experience any of the following:

• Fatigue lasting longer than a few weeks without an obvious cause. 
• Fatigue that worsens over time or interferes with daily living.
• New or sudden symptoms of extreme fatigue.
• Inability to perform routine tasks despite rest.
• Unexplained weight loss, fevers, or night sweats.
• Symptoms that require immediate medical attention such as chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden confusion, fainting, and slurred speech.

These signs may indicate an underlying medical condition or more serious chronic fatigue syndrome, and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Early detection and treatment can improve outcomes and help seniors maintain independence.

Lifestyle factors that drain energy

Not all fatigue in older adults is tied to illness. Everyday lifestyle factors can quietly chip away at energy levels over time.

Common contributors include:

• Less physical activity in older age, known as deconditioning, leads to muscle loss, weakness, and tiredness. 
• Sleep cycles change with age, and regular sleep disruptions result in lower energy.
• Lower levels of hydration are common among older adults, and chronic dehydration often causes fatigue.
• Insufficient nutrition due to decreased appetite contributes to lower energy.
• Lack of routine and mental stimulation can result in boredom and lethargy.

Simple ways to reclaim your energy

Older adults can often reduce fatigue and boost energy through practical lifestyle changes, sometimes alongside medical guidance. A few small, consistent habits can make a meaningful difference:

• Stay active with walking and light exercise to strengthen muscles and stamina.
• Eat balanced meals with nutrient-dense foods.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and alert. 
• Get quality sleep by establishing a consistent sleep schedule. 
• Engage socially and mentally to help maintain routine, motivation, and purpose.

Before trying to manage fatigue on your own through self-care, it’s important to rule out any underlying medical causes. A healthcare provider can help evaluate chronic conditions, review medications, and recommend appropriate next steps.

Hidden mental health concerns that contribute to fatigue

Undiagnosed mental health conditions can also contribute to chronic fatigue in seniors. Depression, anxiety, loneliness, and grief are common culprits of fatigue among older adults and often go untreated.

Some signs to look out for:

• Masked depression in older adults can show up as lethargy, aches, and loss of interest.
• Grief and bereavement can result in bodily pain, a weakened immune system and fatigue.
• Chronic stress, or allostatic load, takes a toll on the nervous system resulting in severe exhaustion.
• Anxiety or constant worry depletes physical and mental energy.

The good news is, identifying and addressing underlying mental and emotional issues can significantly improve energy and quality of life.

Existential fatigue and loss of purpose in seniors

Some older adults experience existential fatigue due to a loss of purpose as their lives and social roles change. Research shows that retirement, loss of partner, and reduced socialization can create a loss of meaning, which is linked to lower energy. As we age, it can be draining to adapt to physical limitations, cognitive changes, and a rapidly evolving world. 

Sometimes, older generations can feel as though they are becoming invisible or unimportant, which can manifest as low energy and a lack of motivation to socialize. Research also shows that having a sense of purpose in later life is associated with better physical function, less fatigue, and greater resilience. For older adults facing feelings of existential fatigue, therapy can be effective in reframing life stories and reinvigorating you with a sense of purpose.

How therapy can help

Up to 75% of people with fatigue also have anxiety and depression. For that reason, many seniors with fatigue are referred to a mental health professional to address their symptoms of exhaustion. 

If your fatigue stems from mental health concerns, telehealth can be a way to receive the support you need without leaving home. When energy is low, it might feel impossible to get dressed and out the door to travel to appointments. Online therapy sessions via video call (Zoom) or over the phone make it easier for seniors to access therapy that helps them address the mental and emotional causes of fatigue. 

Sailor Health provides affordable access to qualified, older mental health providers that accept Medicare, and most of our Medicare patients have a $0 copay. Get matched with a therapist today, and begin your first session as quickly as 24 hours later.

References

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