Many seniors live healthy, productive lives in their advanced years. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 21.7 percent of adults over the age of 65 are in poor health. These seniors may become fatigued on a regular basis. There are a variety of reasons elderly people experience fatigue.
Anemia
The American Clinical and Climatological Association reports more than 10 percent of people 65 or older have anemia. The symptom may occur secondary to an iron or vitamin B12 deficiency. A chronic disorder may interfere with the production of red blood cells, which have a mere 120-day lifespan. The problems prevent the body from functioning normally because cells don’t receive the nutrition needed. Some seniors might also be malnourished. Check your aging loved one’s diet and have him or her evaluated for possible underlying blood abnormalities.
If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Ambience In-Home Care, a trusted provider of senior home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
Cardiovascular Conditions
The cardiovascular system pumps nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, which nourishes the cells and tissues. However, if the heart isn’t pumping efficiently secondary to disease or the vascular system is narrowed by hypertension, plaque, or fatty deposits, blood cannot flow as easily. Thus, seniors experience fatigue. When healthcare providers regularly examine seniors, potential cardiovascular abnormalities can be discovered and treated.
Chronic Respiratory Disease
Statistics indicate up to 17 percent of adults 60 and older live with some form of chronic respiratory disease. Seniors are often diagnosed with COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The disorder may involve bronchitis, emphysema, or asthma. When the lungs don’t function well, older adults cannot breathe normally. Blood and cells aren’t properly oxygenated, which leaves seniors fatigued.
If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of in-home care. Ambience Ambience In-Home Care is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services.
Chronic Pain
Arthritis and certain autoimmune disorders can cause seniors to have chronic pain. Experiencing pain day and night stresses the mind and body, which leads to generalized fatigue. Older adults who are taking medications without satisfactory results need to be reevaluated and start new treatment regimens.
Electrolyte or Hormone Imbalances
Improper diet, dehydration, diuretics, and parathyroid gland disorders may all lead to an electrolyte imbalance. The compounds are needed for proper function of the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. Routine blood tests during annual examinations can reveal the problem, which is corrected by dietary adjustments or medication. Some seniors might also have hypothyroidism, which leads to excessive weight gain or loss in addition to fatigue and behavioral changes.
Sedentary Lifestyle
When an older adult doesn’t engage in regular physical activity, the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems weaken. If an aging adult is completely sedentary for a long time, simply walking across the room may cause discomfort and fatigue. Seniors need to get some form of exercise daily. They might start by walking around the block and progress to walking further and faster. When your loved one becomes stronger, he or she might want to consider participating in more intense types of exercise, such as cycling, swimming, or hiking.
Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing serious illnesses and require more extensive live-in care. Ambience seniors can count on Ambience In-Home Care to provide the in-home care they need and deserve. If you need professional home care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (469) 573-4213.