A recent study from the University of Pittsburgh has found that older adults who feel very tired after everyday activities may face a much higher risk of dying within just a few years. The research shows that high levels of physical fatigue could be an early warning sign of serious health problems in later life.
The study followed nearly 3,000 adults aged 60 and over as part of the Long-Life Family Study. Each participant was asked to rate how tired they would expect to feel after doing a range of tasks—from a slow 30-minute walk to more strenuous chores like gardening or light housework. They gave scores from 0 (not tired at all) to 5 (extremely tired) using a tool called the Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale.
This scale, created in 2014 by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh, has since become a widely recognized way to measure fatigue. It’s now used around the world and available in 11 languages.
After analyzing the responses and health outcomes over an average of 2.7 years, the researchers discovered a striking pattern. People who scored 25 or higher on the fatigability scale were 2.3 times more likely to die during the study period compared to those with lower scores—even when accounting for other health conditions and risk factors.
This is the first time researchers have clearly shown a strong link between how tired someone feels after physical activity and their short-term risk of death. The findings suggest that extreme fatigue in older adults should not be brushed off as just a part of aging. Instead, it could be a red flag for deeper health issues.
Dr. Nancy W. Glynn, who led the study, believes these results are important for both older adults and their healthcare providers. She says that measuring fatigue through this scale could help doctors identify people at higher risk and provide support earlier, potentially improving both quality of life and longevity.
Earlier studies have shown that regular physical activity and a healthy lifestyle can help reduce fatigue. This new research builds on that idea, suggesting that preventing or managing tiredness may actually help people live longer.
The study also encourages older adults and their families to speak with doctors if daily activities feel unusually exhausting, as it could be a sign of something more serious.
While more research is needed to fully understand the connection between fatigue and health risks, this study offers a simple but powerful message: paying attention to how tired you feel after everyday tasks could help you take steps to protect your health.
The research was published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series A and adds valuable insight into how we understand aging and the signs that may predict future health problems.
It reminds us that even something as common as feeling tired can carry important clues about what’s happening inside the body—and why staying active, eating well, and monitoring changes in how we feel are all key parts of healthy aging.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about Vitamin B9 deficiency linked to higher dementia risk, and flavonoid-rich foods could help prevent dementia.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that cranberries could help boost memory, and how alcohol, coffee and tea intake influence cognitive decline.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
