What Causes Sudden Extreme Fatigue in Older Adults?

Sudden and severe fatigue in older adults can be worrying. While it’s normal to feel tired from time to time as we age, feeling unusually tired without any obvious cause could be a sign of something more serious. This kind of fatigue can affect an older person’s ability to carry out everyday tasks and impact their overall quality of life.

At Country Cousins, we understand how important it is to get to the bottom of these changes. In this guide, we’ll explore the common causes of sudden extreme fatigue in the elderly and tips to help keep your loved ones feeling their best.

Understanding fatigue in the elderly

Fatigue can be a common complaint among older adults, so it’s important to distinguish between regular tiredness and extreme fatigue that may point to a health issue. As people age, their energy levels naturally decline. However, sudden or extreme fatigue that disrupts daily life or lasts for a prolonged period could be a warning sign.

General tiredness vs extreme fatigue

Tiredness is the feeling of being worn out or needing rest, which can be relieved with a good night’s sleep or a break.

Extreme fatigue, on the other hand, is an overwhelming feeling of exhaustion that doesn’t go away with rest. It can significantly impact day to day life and make even simple tasks feel exhausting. This kind of fatigue can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

How ageing affects energy levels

As we age, several natural, physical changes can contribute to lower energy levels:

• Slowing metabolism
• Reduced muscle mass and strength
• Changes in the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. These factors can make older adults more vulnerable to feeling fatigued.

Why is identifying sudden extreme fatigue important?

Identifying the cause of sudden fatigue is important because it can lead to early diagnosis and treatment of potentially serious conditions. Ignoring extreme fatigue could result in a missed opportunity for an early intervention, especially when it’s linked to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or infections.

What can cause sudden extreme fatigue in older adults?

Sudden extreme fatigue in older adults can be triggered by various health issues. Here are the most common causes:

• Chronic Medical Conditions: Heart disease, COPD, diabetes, and kidney problems can all cause significant fatigue.
• Infections and Illnesses: Pneumonia, urinary tract infections, sepsis and other infections and illnesses can quickly drain energy levels.
• Medication Side Effects: Certain medications, like sedatives, antidepressants, and antihistamines, can cause fatigue.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of iron, vitamin B12, or vitamin D can lead to tiredness and weakness.
• Sleep Disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea and insomnia can lead to daytime fatigue.
• Mental Health Factors: Depression and anxiety can sometimes manifest as extreme fatigue.
• Decreased Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle can cause energy levels to feel low, leading to feelings of tiredness or fatigue.

When should I see a GP?

While occasional tiredness is common, sudden extreme fatigue in older adults should not be ignored. It can sometimes indicate an underlying health issue that requires medical attention.

Here are some signs that suggest it’s time to consult a healthcare professional:

1. Fatigue that lasts more than a few days
2. Fatigue accompanied by pain or discomfort
3. Fatigue accompanied by confusion or memory problems
4. Sudden weight loss or changes in appetite
5. Experiencing fever or chills
6. Difficulty breathing or dizziness
7. New or worsening symptoms

Tips for managing and preventing fatigue

While it’s always important to identify the root cause of fatigue, there are some general steps you can take to help manage and prevent it from becoming a regular issue. Here are some tips:

1. Regular health check-ups

Routine visits to the doctor can help detect any underlying medical conditions early. Regular check-ups can ensure that chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and kidney issues are well managed and don’t contribute to fatigue.

2. Balanced diet and hydration

A healthy, well-rounded diet is essential for maintaining energy levels. Ensure that the diet includes:

• Iron-rich foods to combat anaemia
• Foods high in vitamin B12 and vitamin D for overall health
• Hydrating foods and plenty of water to avoid dehydration

3. Medication review

If the person is on multiple medications, it’s important to review them regularly with their GP. Some medications might interact and cause fatigue. A doctor may adjust dosages or switch medications to help manage this side effect.

4. Encourage physical activity

Regular, light exercise can significantly improve energy levels and combat fatigue. Activities like walking, stretching, or light strength exercises provide many benefits including enhanced circulation, improved muscle strength and boosting overall stamina.

5. Improve sleep quality

Is your loved one getting enough sleep? Good quality sleep is important for maintaining energy at any stage in life. Establishing a regular sleep routine and addressing sleep disorders such as insomnia or sleep apnea can help improve both the quality and quantity of sleep.

6. Manage stress and mental health

Loneliness and feelings of isolation can be common in older adults. Addressing any mental health concerns, such as depression or anxiety, can help reduce everyday fatigue. Encourage participation in social activities and hobbies and seek professional help if needed to manage mental health challenges effectively.

7. Minimise sedentary behaviour

Encourage your loved one to get in some daily movement and avoid long periods of inactivity. Even short periods of walking, standing or stretches can help prevent the fatigue that comes from sitting too long. Here are some low impact exercises to get you started.

How can Country Cousins help?

Since 1959, we’ve been helping people live comfortably and safely in their own homes with the support of a carefully matched live-in carer. As the UK’s longest-serving introductory live-in care agency, we understand the value of continuity, compassion and familiar surroundings. Whether it’s ongoing support or more specialist care, we’re here to make life easier for you and your loved ones.

Learn more about our elderly care at home.

Talk to our team today

If you or a loved one are exploring live-in care, speak with one of our friendly team today. They can provide expert advice and guidance on the best option for your needs.

Give us a call today on 01293 224 706. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.