A recent study by scientists at the University of Pittsburgh has uncovered a significant link between fatigue in older adults and their likelihood of passing away within a few years.
This groundbreaking research discovered that older individuals who feel extremely tired or exhausted after doing activities are more likely to die within the next 2.7 years, compared to those who feel less fatigued.
Previous studies have shown that increasing physical activity can help reduce fatigue. However, this study is the first of its kind to connect severe physical tiredness with a higher risk of dying earlier.
To conduct this research, the team focused on assessing the level of fatigue participants experienced during various activities. They used a unique tool developed by the University of Pittsburgh called the Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale.
This scale was a crucial part of the study and has been widely recognized since its creation in 2014, now available in 11 different languages.
The study involved 2,906 participants, all aged 60 or older, who were part of the Long-Life Family Study. Each participant was asked to rate, on a scale from 0 to 5, how tired they thought they would feel after doing certain activities.
These activities ranged from a leisurely 30-minute walk to light housework or more strenuous tasks like heavy gardening.
After considering various factors that could affect mortality, the researchers found a striking pattern.
People who scored 25 or more points on the Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale were 2.3 times more likely to die in the 2.7 years following the study compared to those who scored below 25.
This finding indicates that a high level of fatigue is a strong predictor of mortality risk in older adults.
The study’s results emphasize the importance of understanding and monitoring fatigue levels in older adults. It also highlights the usefulness of the Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale as a tool for health professionals and researchers.
Besides the immediate findings, this study contributes to a broader understanding of wellness in older age. It aligns with other research that emphasizes the importance of healthy habits, like a balanced diet and regular physical activity, in preventing diseases and promoting longevity.
Overall, this research sheds light on how feelings of tiredness in older adults can be more than just a temporary state – it can be an indicator of overall health and lifespan.
As such, paying attention to and addressing fatigue can be a key factor in improving health outcomes for the elderly.
Published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, this study, led by Nancy W Glynn and her team, provides valuable insights into the connections between fatigue, wellness, and longevity, offering a new perspective on aging and health.
If you care about wellness, please read studies about how ultra-processed foods and red meat influence your longevity, and why seafood may boost healthy aging.
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