Constant fatigue: depression or old age? both?

Hi Liz: @liz223

That is a good question. I think most of us feel better when we get out and start moving. It does "perk-up" our circulation and tends to make us feel better. it is hard to say if the fatigue is part of depression, age or perhaps the result of meds (maybe all three), but if getting out works for you that must be a good thing. Anyone else have an opinion on this?

Teresa

I've been suffering from clinical depression for years and at times it can make you very fatigued and I'm only 71! It's true that if you get up, dressed and out you feel much better. I'm not able to do that all the time as I have other medical issues. Elderly do suffer from depression and I would suggest you see your primary care doctor who might refer you to a psychiatrist.
Jane

@liz223 At 85 I can understand you feeling fatigue. Sounds like getting out helped you some. Can you still drive? I know several who struggle w/ depression, feeling isolated and like they are a burden because of being unable to drive. Do you have any hobbies? Has your doctor checked your thyroid levels recently? A little brainstorming from a youngun' of 65 that is always tired. My go,go got up and went, went because several physical things went wrong all at once. Thank you for sharing about fatigue as I believe many here have this problem for a variety of reasons.

Are you on medication for bipolar disorder if so then there are some oral medications that decrease the absorption of vitamin B complex including vitamin B12 impaired absorption of these vitamins can cause the symptom of fatigue.You need to discuss it with your physician

@liz223 @hopeful33250 While I am younger (65) and that may make it easier for me, I struggle to get up in the morning. For me it is mental fatigue not physical. I have found that I feel better if I force myself to exercise right away. I don't even get dressed first. I have read that the increased oxygen flow to the brain from exercising helps depression. For me it seems to be true. I don't do any hard exercises just walking and stretching mostly rotate my arms and stretch my spine by twisting side to side and touching my toes. Walking in between the exercises around inside. Then I feel more like doing things. So for you maybe it would help if you could do a little exercising along with getting out?

You're probably right, but my little dog must go for a little walk to potty. 🙂 However, I'll try exercising first thing when I get back into the house. Thanks for the tip.

Yes, I still drive and am able to take care of myself and do things for my husband. We still live in our home, but have no family nearby. We are in Florida and our only son is in North Carolina. He has Parkinson's Disease and his wife is ill. I've tried to move us into a retirement community, but each time I find an apartment or cottage, hubby backs out. Trying to live one day at a time. I do have hobbies and maintain a web page for our church plus my Facebook page and a group page. I enjoy card games online. I take quite a few naps too. LOL

I truly hope if I do make 85 I can still drive and do not need to be concerned w/ walking a dog, or the numerous activities that those so much older than myself must carry out. So sad to think of all of the "true" shut-ins and those in nursing homes...I, for now, am not one. I am truly thankful that I can still care for myself and after reading different stories I know I am not here looking for pity-not at all sure what it is I am looking for...pretty much have come to realize there are not "truly" reasons for most things in life. Not one given to platitudes that I have heard from so many and will continue walking to the beat of my own little drum.

I don't think most of us are looking for pity. I see this as a place to share. When we get older, some of us feel that we are usually alone in discussing any problems relating to older age. I go out everyday for awhile, usually to have lunch and maybe go to the grocery store and I certainly don't want to discuss or even mention age related problems. I enjoy younger people around me ..... makes me feel younger. I like knowing I can still walk erect, carry my own groceries and smile when meeting others. Act like you're younger and feel great and you'll be surprised at how much it helps. Hope all have a great day.

I agree with you @liz223 Often we share to share and not seek pity, etc. In my own situation, which was as a caregiver, I came to see while I had a desire just to share some of my experiences and simply talk things through with someone other than myself (especially due to the incredibly isolating nature of fulltime caregiving) it was more often than not interpreted by others as me seeking pity, looking for attention, whining, etc. Not that those folks would say this to my face, but I would hear it from others. On occasion I did hear them say it when I was myself in the room. It always struck me as odd, but who knows what lurks in the minds of others.

Peace & Strength