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buildup results in severe fatigue. red blood cell production and oxygen
• Arthritis – Chronic pain and transport.
inflammation drain energy. • Magnesium & Vitamin D – Important for
• Anemia – Low hemoglobin reduces muscle and nerve function.
oxygen supply, leading to weakness. • Dehydration – A reduced sense of thirst
• Thyroid Disorders – Hypothyroidism in seniors can lead to chronic dehydration,
slows metabolism, increasing fatigue. causing fatigue, dizziness, and confusion.
• Neurological Conditions – Parkinson’s A well-balanced diet and proper
disease, stroke, and dementia cause both hydration can significantly boost energy
physical and mental exhaustion. levels.
• Cancer – The disease itself, along 5. Mental Health & Emotional Well-being
with treatments like chemotherapy and Psychological factors play a crucial role in
radiation, leads to profound fatigue. fatigue among seniors:
Persistent fatigue should not be ignored • Depression – Often presents as fatigue
and warrants a thorough medical rather than sadness.
evaluation. • Anxiety – Persistent worry drains mental
2. Medication Side Effects energy.
Many medications can contribute to • Social Isolation – Lack of interaction can
fatigue, including antidepressants, pain lead to emotional exhaustion.
relievers, antihypertensives, sedatives, Engaging in social activities, counseling,
and antihistamines. Regular medication or therapy can help improve overall energy
reviews with a healthcare provider can and well-being.
help adjust prescriptions that may be 6. Lifestyle Factors
causing excessive tiredness. Certain habits and routines contribute to
3. Sleep Disorders fatigue:
Poor sleep quality significantly impacts • Lack of Exercise – A sedentary lifestyle
energy levels. Common issues include: reduces stamina.
• Insomnia – Difficulty falling or staying • Excessive Alcohol or Caffeine – Both
asleep. can interfere with sleep and energy levels.
• Sleep Apnea – Interrupted breathing • Boredom & Social Withdrawal – Staying
reduces oxygen levels, leading to unrestful mentally and socially active helps maintain
sleep. energy.
• Restless Leg Syndrome – Uncomfortable 7. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
sensations disrupt sleep. CFS is characterised by extreme fatigue
Since quality sleep is essential for energy lasting six months or more, often
balance, addressing sleep disorders is accompanied by sleep disturbances,
crucial. memory issues, and body pain. If fatigue
4. Nutritional Deficiencies & persists despite lifestyle changes, seeking
Dehydration medical advice is essential.
Ageing affects nutrient absorption, leading “Understanding these causes is the first
to deficiencies that contribute to fatigue, step, but recognising their impact on daily
such as: life highlights the urgency of addressing
• Vitamin B12 & Iron – Essential for fatigue”
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