How to Conserve Energy and Fight Fatigue in Seniors

In a recent study, 1 in 5 seniors reported having insufficient energy levels that negatively impact daily life. Individuals from the same study also reported nearly twice as many hospital admissions and in-home care services than those without constant feelings of fatigue.

Fatigued seniors have difficulty performing even the simplest tasks (cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc.), which often leads to exhaustion, overexertion and potentially serious injury. This inability to perform routine activities leaves seniors vulnerable and increases the likelihood of needing assisted care in the future.

7 Ways to Conserve Energy & Fight Fatigue in Seniors

By learning how to simplify daily tasks and conserve energy for more important (and enjoyable) activities, you can ensure greater independence and an overall improved quality of life.

Here are a few strategies to simplify your daily routine:

1. Prioritize each day’s activities and allow plenty of time to perform necessary tasks.
2. Take frequent breaks throughout the day and rest in between activities.
3. If possible, wait 20-30 minutes after eating to start a new activity, leaving plenty of time to digest and regain strength and energy.
4. Use assistive devices when performing certain tasks around the home (canes, walkers, reaching tools, long handled brushes and sponges, etc.)
5. Avoid the use of stairs when elevators are an option. Exercise is important, but too much strain on the body can cause more harm than good.
6. Maintain a healthy and balanced diet to ensure sufficient energy levels. Processed foods and certain carbohydrates contain ingredients that may bog you down, while fiber and omega-3s contain energy-boosting elements.
7. Sit down to perform certain duties like shaving, drying your hair, putting on makeup, etc.

Most importantly, never be afraid to ask for help. We value our ability to care for ourselves and having to rely on others to help with personal care duties or tasks around the home can be overwhelming and embarrassing – but it doesn’t need to be.

Contact Sonas for Home Health Care Services in Florida

At Sonas Home Health Care, our goal is to provide peace of mind to families of those in need of assistance and help loved ones maintain dignity and the highest possible level of independence. We refer loving and competent caregivers to provide a variety of services, from respite care to around-the-clock supervision.

Contact us directly to speak with a home health care professional or Request a free in-home assessment. Together we can determine the right plan of action for your family.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home health care services in Florida, contact the caring staff at Sonas Home Health Care. Call today (888) 592-5855.

Jillian Miller BSN, RN

Director of Nursing at Sonas Home Health Care

This blog was reviewed by Jillian Miller BSN, RN — Director of Nursing for Sonas Home Health Care’s Tampa Bay market — for clinical accuracy. Jillian Miller has been a nurse for 16 years — working primarily in pediatrics. She believes the best part of working with the pediatric population is when you see smiles from clients when you first enter the room. She loves seeing the difference you can make in families’ lives while providing the best care possible for them.