It’s a fact: the older we get, the more tired we get. But sometimes this fatigue is not normal and should prompt you to consult.
“He is normal to feel tired more quickly as you get older, it is a physiological stateimmediately reassures Dr Guillaume Ducher, geriatrician at the La Châtaigneraie Private Hospital, in Beaumont (63). But when a patient complains of being tired, it is best to carry out a complete assessment in order to rule out any pathology“.
5 physiological changes that explain this fatigue
Among the main causes of fatigue with age, we can cite:
► Muscle mass decreases. “As we age, it is common to lose muscle mass, a phenomenon known as sarcopenia. Losing muscle can lead to a reduction in physical strength and endurance, which can contribute to fatigue more quickly,” explains our interlocutor.
► Increasingly fragile organs. “The ability of the heart and lungs to supply oxygen to the muscles also declines with age. This can lead to increased fatigue during physical exertion, because muscles don’t get as much oxygen than before“, he continues.
► A drop in hormones. Levels of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone generally decrease with age. “These hormones play a crucial role in regulating energy, muscle growth and recovery, and their decrease can influence the feeling of fatigue..
► We recover less quickly. Recovery capabilities after physical exertion or mental activity may decrease with age. This means that people may feel fatigue more intensely and recover more slowly.
► We are more prone to illnesses. Health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or arthritis become more common with age. Conditions that can contribute to fatigue by affecting physical function.
To remove all doubts about a possible health problem, the attending physician or geriatrician can carry out a geriatric assessment: it is initially a matter of measure walking speed and muscle strength. Then, through a series of blood tests carried out, to assess different aspects of their health. We will thus be able to evaluate kidney, liver and thyroid function, blood sugar, calcium, iron…
Finding energy after 50 or 60 years
Generally, age-related fatigue sets in gradually. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional to assess the specific causes of fatigue and discuss appropriate strategies for each patient.
► If the blood test reveals a vitamin or mineral deficiencythe doctor can implement supplementation: generally, vitamin D, even ironare offered as a supplement to elderly people.
► Generally speaking, a healthy lifestyleincluding A balanced diet (especially with a sufficient intake in protein), regular exercise (at least 30 minutes of walking per day) And quality sleepcan help alleviate some of these effects of aging.
► Medications on a case-by-case basis. “Unlike an episode of depression which is linked to a trigger and which tends to get worse. In this second case, the doctor may prescribe anti-depressants to help the patient get better“, concludes the specialist.