No, constant tiredness isn't considered a normal part of aging and should be checked by a doctor, as it often signals underlying issues like chronic diseases (heart, kidney, thyroid), sleep disorders, anemia, depression, dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, or medication side effects, which can significantly impact quality of life and health. While feeling more tired can increase with age, persistent fatigue needs investigation to find and treat the cause, not just be dismissed as 'normal' aging.
These include: Having medical treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation, or recovering from major surgery. Infections. Chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The 40s and 50s
Both fluctuations can result in lower energy levels, feeling lethargic, and less muscle mass. Again, the 40s and 50s impact people differently, with some noticing fewer effects than others. However, during this stage, people will usually notice they're "getting old".
If you are feeling tired most of the time, you should see your primary care doctor. If you are experiencing fatigue and other symptoms, like weight loss, falls, fevers or night sweats, they may look at your hormone levels, vitamin levels or run other tests.
Fatigue red flags signal potentially serious issues beyond normal tiredness, including unexplained weight loss, persistent fever, night sweats, shortness of breath, chest pain, severe headaches, confusion, or new neurological/joint problems alongside exhaustion. Other signs include fatigue worsening with activity, significant cognitive/mood changes, or lack of energy despite rest, suggesting conditions like infection, autoimmune disease, heart problems, cancer, or mental health issues, warranting prompt medical evaluation.
10 Tips on How to Get More Energy
Self-help tips to fight tiredness
Physical decline often begins when people enter their 50s, according to data from the Physical Performance Across the Lifespan Study (PALS), a collaboration between the MURDOCK Study and Duke Claude D.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, including B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, C, D, iron, and magnesium, are among the most common causes of unexplained fatigue. Vitamin D deficiencies affect over 50% of the global population, and approximately 12.5% have iron deficiency anemia.
In six months before death, patients show a number of physical and mental changes. Some of the most common changes include progressive fatigue, loss of appetite, emaciation, and social withdrawal. Also, some patients lose some memory and other cognitive changes.
The average life expectancy in the United States is 9.1 years for 80-year-old white women and 7.0 years for 80-year-old white men. Conclusions: For people 80 years old or older, life expectancy is greater in the United States than it is in Sweden, France, England, and Japan.
The Impact of Lacking Caregivers for the Elderly
Without someone to help and watch their health, elderly individuals are more vulnerable to medical emergencies. Minor injuries or health concerns that may be manageable to others can quickly grow into serious conditions for those without caregiver support.
Older adults need about the same amount of sleep as all adults — seven to nine hours each night. But older people tend to go to sleep earlier and get up earlier than they did when they were younger.
Fatigue becomes worrisome when it lasts over a couple of weeks without relief, disrupts daily activities, comes on suddenly without a clear cause, or is accompanied by "red flag" symptoms like unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, fever, unusual bleeding, severe headaches, or chest pain, indicating a need to see a doctor promptly. It's crucial to seek medical advice if rest, good nutrition, and stress management don't improve your energy levels.
Complex carbohydrates
The "2-finger test" for dementia involves an examiner showing a hand gesture (like interlocking index and middle fingers) and asking the patient to copy it, testing motor skills, visual memory, and coordination, as difficulties can signal early cognitive decline, but it's a screening tool, not a definitive diagnosis, prompting further medical evaluation. Other related tests include finger-tapping and finger-to-nose, looking for hesitation or misjudgment in movement.
One of the most noticeable aspects of aging at 80 is the decline in muscle and bone strength. Sarcopenia and bone issues can lead to reduced strength and balance. Such changes can increase the risk of both falls and fractures. Regular physical activity, particularly weight-bearing exercises, is vital.
The observed age pattern for daily stress was remarkably strong: stress was relatively high from age 20 through 50, followed by a precipitous decline through age 70 and beyond.
Some decline in energy is to be expected with age, but intense and life-altering fatigue is concerning. Aging doesn't have to completely impair you or prevent you from living your life to the fullest. You shouldn't accept these signs and symptoms as a normal part of the aging process.
Eggs: High in protein and B vitamins, which help convert food into energy. Nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews): Rich in healthy fats, protein, and magnesium. Greek yogurt: High in protein, vitamin D, and probiotics to help with energy. Salmon: Loaded with omega-3s and B vitamins that reduce fatigue.
Fatigue red flags signal potentially serious issues beyond normal tiredness, including unexplained weight loss, persistent fever, night sweats, shortness of breath, chest pain, severe headaches, confusion, or new neurological/joint problems alongside exhaustion. Other signs include fatigue worsening with activity, significant cognitive/mood changes, or lack of energy despite rest, suggesting conditions like infection, autoimmune disease, heart problems, cancer, or mental health issues, warranting prompt medical evaluation.
The 13 Best Fruits And Vegetables Seniors Should Include In Their...
Vitamin B12 is the best vitamin supplement for treating tiredness and fatigue. This essential nutrient helps your body produce energy and keeps you feeling less fatigued both physically and mentally.
The number one exercise for older adults is often cited as the squat, especially bodyweight or chair squats, because it builds essential leg strength for daily function, balance, and fall prevention, directly improving independence. However, a well-rounded routine also needs balance work (like Tai Chi), cardiovascular exercise (walking, swimming), and other strength training (resistance bands, push-ups) for overall health, as experts emphasize functional movement and power.