Physiologically, the heart and lungs require more effort to circulate oxygen throughout the body as we grow older. Chronic fatigue may also be the “silent” indication of ailments such as anemia or even depression, according to a study featured in The Lancet. Social isolation has even been linked to physical weariness; with fewer reasons to look forward to, the body’s “engine” idles.
Think about a grandfather who previously spent hours tending to his garden. Today, all he does when he sees the weeds is let out a sigh. This is not because he is being “lazy”; rather, it is because the effort involved is like scaling a mountain.
Emotional Withdrawal or “The Fog” of Memory
Undoubtedly, this is one of the most challenging signs to observe. You may realize that your family member is increasingly quiet at dinner time, or maybe they do not call their friends anymore. It seems like they are gradually withdrawing the curtains from their life.
It should be remembered that memory issues usually coincide with emotional withdrawal. It is not only about searching for lost things, such as keys; rather, it involves losing track of what they used to say for years, or even asking the same questions again after ten minutes have passed. Sometimes, such behaviors can be the first signs of cognitive impairment, but at the same time, they may indicate another medical condition called pseudo-dementia, in which depression causes similar memory issues.
According to the findings of National Institute on Aging researchers, forgetfulness is a common symptom among older adults, yet if it interferes with health and wellbeing, it is important to act.
Your most powerful weapon is patience. If they tell you a story twice, act like you’ve never heard it before. If they forget a word, allow them the chance to figure out what it was rather than completing the sentence for them. Dignity usually correlates with the ability to converse.
Slower Healing and “Linger-on” Illnesses
Don’t you think it’s strange that when they get a small scratch from something on their arm while gardening, it persists after several weeks? Or even that a common cold leaves them completely bedridden for up to a month?