Normal for her age?

[Hadagutsful]

Hope someone can share their experience. I'm not sure if this is something I should be concerned about or if it's "normal". My DM is in her (very) late 50s. She doesn't work anymore and doesn't have a particularly busy social life but she is so tired all the time! She has a regular sleep pattern at night but also naps 2-3 hours in the afternoon.

It's obviously up to her what she does with her time but I'm just wondering if this is something I should be concerned about? I've noticed the afternoon naps getting longer recently. (It's definitely not a mental health issue, without wishing to go into details of how I know that, as I don't want to out us irl!).

I am aware of lots of conditions that could contribute to her feeling weary, but just wondered if any other late 50- or early 60- year old MNers might be able to relate?

Thanks

It’s a prime age for thyroid issues. Has she had her levels checked?

Low B12 levels can cause extreme fatigue as well especially in menopausal women.

I'm 50. It's not uncommon to nap at any age. I think I'd fall into a nap pattern if A) I wasn't an insomniac B) I have to be at work most days.

Other than napping, what does she do now that shows she has lots less energy than say 10-20 yrs ago?

Thyroid function all fine. I did wonder about vitamin b12, wonder if I could persuade her to start taking a supplement? Tbh she doesn't seem too bothered about needing the naps, so I suspect she'll brush me off as being overly protective.

lljkk - thanks for your response! She doesn't do an awful lot. I think that's probably the main thing. She'll do what needs to be done: (housework and grocery shopping) but anything else seems too much.

Sounds like me. Are you sure she's not only 34

In my late 50s I worked part time but spent a lot of my free afternoons napping. I blamed my age......until I was diagnosed with a serious illness. Since recovering I have far more energy, never need a nap, on th go all day.

So definitely encourage a GP visit.

I am of that age - I'd encourgae her to have all her vitamine levels checked and her thyroid - and here not just the obvious markers.

Has she things to look forward to in her day? Boredom and lack of purpose are very weakening. too

Sounds like me...I eventually was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

B12 supplements aren't very effective you need such massive doses to make any difference, its worth getting the levels checked by the GP and they may recommend injections.

Her Vitamin D levels could be low.

Thanks everyone. I will gently encourage a checkup. 👍

If she goes for checkup, let us know if they find anything to fix or if anything changes. x