Has anyone else noticed their energy levels change as they've got older?

MawsRosie

Is anybody surprised?
Of course our energy levels aren’t what they were.
It’s called ageing and every organism does it.

Yes, MawRosie, we all know it, and we know it’s called aging, but that does not mean that it is easy to accept. Our bodies slow down, but that doesn’t necessarily mean our minds do and our minds tell us we can do this, that and the other, but our aging bodies don’t let us! So, no, our energy levels are not what they once were, but that doesn’t make it any easier - It’s the frustration at not being able to do what we once did without a thought that is so difficult - as I’m sure you will agree (or are you superwoman 🤣).

“*ageing*”, sorry - spelling mistake on my part - oops 🤣

With various health conditions I have to accept that I can’t do as much as I used to be able to do, but it’s sooo frustrating!

I also have a recently diagnosed, underactive thyroid, and thought that the dose isn’t yet right, hence still lacking energy. It worries me, from reading other poster’s comments, that this might be my new normal.

Our bodies slow down, but that doesn’t necessarily mean our minds do

Yes. I just wish I could keep up with myself.

I’m sorry if it offends anyone, but I agree with MawsRosie. It’s obviously natural that our energy levels decrease as we get older. I’m fortunate that I’m still very active, but not as much these days.

I seem to keep as busy as ever, perhaps I was actually busy?

edit -- perhaps I was NEVER actually busy.

Im almost 73 now but believe it or not my energy levels have increased with age. I put that down to more regular exercise, regular good sleep and also a much healthier diet. I now have more time to look after myself instead of running round after everyone else.

Not only am I tired though I sleep very little I feel very weak all the time

I find that I haven't got the strength I once had to lift suitcases or move furniture around. What I once did without a second thought has to be planned like military manoeuvres.

It’s been such a help to me to read this. For quite a while I’ve been feeling weak and not able to do much. I blamed myself. I felt it was my fault - that I should try harder. I’m 83 and have arthritis. It’s helpful to have another perspective so I won’t be blaming myself now, and try to accept the ageing process.

I’m so sorry for your loss JANE43.
We moved 5 years ago and I literally woke up the next day so tired and have been ridiculously tired ever since! I also started being non stop ill since moving here and exhausted 24/7. I’ve just turned 70 and hardly go out, I appreciate I’ve got several health issues that make me tired and am on lots of medication but would love to wake up one morning feeling really exhilarated and raring to go as I truly haven’t felt like that in over 5 years. I haven’t patience to see people anymore or mix, my DH was diagnosed with dementia a couple of weeks after moving here as well which doesn’t help because even though I’ve got health problems and recently had several operations I’m now his carer. Everything seemed to change literally overnight. If I go out anywhere (which I rarely do if I can help it) it takes me 2/3 days to get over it.

I am wondering why when on holiday a few months ago I was able to walk around all day with just a short stop for a coffee and still feel fine in the evening. Now home my hour's walk tires me and I need a rest and can only do things in short bursts. Can't understand it 🤔

I've been almost totally lacking energy these last 5/6 weeks and am hoping it's just the weather and resulting lack of sleep. I've done hardly any housework and not even been watering the garden in fact hardly been out of the house just been dozing on the sofa most days. Had started falling asleep in front of the TV on an evening before the heat waves and was getting a little worried. Now waiting for the heat to subside to see whether I improve oe else maybe a trip to the GP is needed.

Ziplok

MawsRosie

Is anybody surprised?
Of course our energy levels aren’t what they were.
It’s called ageing and every organism does it.

Yes, MawRosie, we all know it, and we know it’s called aging, but that does not mean that it is easy to accept. Our bodies slow down, but that doesn’t necessarily mean our minds do and our minds tell us we can do this, that and the other, but our aging bodies don’t let us! So, no, our energy levels are not what they once were, but that doesn’t make it any easier - It’s the frustration at not being able to do what we once did without a thought that is so difficult - as I’m sure you will agree (or are you superwoman 🤣).

Speaking as Superwoman……. (!) of course it’s not easy to accept but fighting against admitting it gets you nowhere.
Frustration can also sap your energy levels, so pacing yourself, accepting what is possible or impossible, perhaps pushing yourself a little so that you don’t entirely turn your face to the wall, but commonsense and our bodies should tell us when enough is enough - listen to your body.

OK, so on a positive note, has anyone tried anything that helped?

MawsRosie

Is anybody surprised?
Of course our energy levels aren’t what they were.
It’s called ageing and every organism does it.

Quite.

Age is not just a number. People who think so are deceiving themselves....

....or extraordinarily lucky.

Goodness Blue daisy you have a lot on your plate!
What about planning a holiday for yourself and asking a family member to take over your caring role for a week?

Perhaps I pushed myself through the days when I had a full-time job, children to care for including getting them to their various activities, elderly parents (who didn't have the energy they had when they were young either) and I never seemed to stop until I went to bed.
Most of us were probably the same.

Now there is obviously not so much to do so it all gets spread out or left for another day. I've learnt how to procrastinate.

If anyone feel really tired, do get a blood test, you could be anaemic. I often am and it makes me feel tired and listless.

hello there.......I'm 81 now I was'nt expecting to run around like a teenager........... One slows down.

Thyroid problem here too, and a crushed vertebra. I just have to sit and recover at regular intervals, it’s very tedious too!

Dontcallmelove........It is the new normal, they can only get it nearly right. Don't expect miracles.

I had bags of energy, then developed plantar fasciitis and now I’m stationery/stationary as walking hurts so much

Grammaretto: I did have a week away beginning of June, my DS & DDI paid for me to go on a weeks cruise with her whilst DS stayed home and looked after DH. Nice to have a week away from DH but I was so exhausted I didn’t enjoy myself and couldn’t wait to get home, not helped by my DH collapsing the first night and DS had to call an ambulance!
I won’t be going on anymore holidays until DH is in a home and my little dog has gone as she’s got separation anxiety but more to the point I prefer to feel not only better but more energetic.