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The Impact of Fatigue on Daily Life                 Consider consulting a healthcare
         Persistent fatigue impairs daily activities        professional if fatigue:
         and increases the risk of:                         • Persists for several weeks despite lifestyle
         • Falls and injuries – Weakness and                modifications.
         lack of alertness raise the likelihood of          • Interferes with daily activities and
         accidents.                                         quality of life.
         • Loss of independence – Difficulty                • Is accompanied by unexplained weight
         performing daily tasks can lead to                 loss, breathlessness, or dizziness.
         dependency.                                        • Is linked to chronic conditions such
         • Memory decline – Mental fatigue                  as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or heart
         accelerates cognitive impairment.                  disease.
         • Reduced immunity – Chronic exhaustion            • Affects mood, leading to increased
         weakens the immune system, increasing              anxiety or depression.
         infection risk.                                     A specialist can conduct a comprehensive
          Given the significant impact of fatigue           evaluation, including lab tests, medication
         on daily life, it is essential to recognize        reviews, and lifestyle assessments, to
         when it goes beyond normal tiredness and           pinpoint the cause and suggest effective
         signals a deeper health concern. Seeking           management strategies.
         timely medical advice can help identify             Managing fatigue effectively requires
         underlying causes and prevent further              more than just a diagnosis. A holistic
         complications, ensuring better overall well-       approach—integrating medical care,
         being.                                             lifestyle adjustments, and mental well-
                                                            being strategies—can help seniors reclaim
                                                            their energy and enhance their overall
                                                            quality of life.


                                                            Holistic Strategies to Overcome Fatigue
                                                            in Seniors
                                                            1. Medical Management
                                                            • Routine Health Checkups – Regular
                                                            monitoring of blood sugar, thyroid
                                                            function, and vitamin levels.
                                                            • Medication Review – Identifying and
         Why and When to Seek Medical Advice                adjusting medications that may cause
         Fatigue is a complex condition with                fatigue.
         multiple underlying causes, and a                  • Sleep Disorder Treatment – Addressing
         specialist’s expertise can be invaluable           conditions like sleep apnea for better rest.
         in determining the right course of action.         2. Improving Sleep Quality
         Many older adults hesitate to report their         • Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
         fatigue, assuming it is a natural part of          • Avoid screens before bedtime.
         ageing. However, persistent fatigue can            • Create a dark, quiet sleep environment.
         indicate an underlying health issue that           • Limit caffeine and heavy meals in the
         requires medical attention.                        evening.


        SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #69 | MARCH 2025                                                              9
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