Beat the Energy Robbers

You may think it’s only natural, as you get older, to lose your get-up-and-go. Not so! Lack of energy has little to do with aging and more to do with chronic stress, vitality-draining illness and an unhealthy lifestyle.

You can beat these energy robbers. First, talk to your doctor—especially if fatigue is new or persistent, interferes with your daily life, becomes noticeable to your family, or affects your sleep. Ready to leave your sluggish days behind? Read on…

ENERGY ROBBER #1: Overweight
“Carrying excess weight raises your risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes—and these chronic conditions can lead to early heart disease and stresses to your body,” says endocrinologist Sumon Agarwala, M.D. If you need help shedding pounds, talk to a registered dietitian.

ENERGY ROBBER #2: Medications
“Drugs such as antihistamines, beta blockers and some antidepressants can cause fatigue,” says internist Thomas Brislin, D.O. “When you take several drugs—as many older people do—that effect is even more likely.” Bring your doctor a list of all your medications and supplements, he says. If one drug makes you tired, there may be a better substitute.

ENERGY ROBBER #3: An underactive thyroid
“Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is a rela-tively common and underdiagnosed problem that can somewhat slow your metabolism,” Agarwala says. Your doctor can diagnose the condition with a simple blood test and treat it with thyroid hormone supplementation.

ENERGY ROBBER #4: Smoking
“Your body needs oxygen to make energy,” Brislin says. “But the carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke reduces the amount of oxygen available in your blood.” If you smoke, quitting is one of the best moves you can make for your energy and overall health.

ENERGY ROBBER #5: Stress
“We all need to carve out a few hours each week just to relax,” says Fran Derhammer, R.N., Healthy You education coordinator. “If you can’t find time for a good book, a leisurely walk, a hot bath or a favorite hobby, rethink your priorities.”

ENERGY ROBBER #6: Diabetes
Poorly controlled diabetes can drain you of energy, and it also raises your risk for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and many other problems. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are key. “If you have symptoms of diabetes—frequent urination during the day or night, excessive thirst, hunger, unusual weight loss, fatigue or blurry vision—tell your doctor,” Agarwala says.

ENERGY ROBBER #7: Inactivity
“Physical activity boosts energy by increasing your metabolism, not only while you’re moving but after you stop,” says exercise physiologist Eric Witzel. “It’s hard to get started when you feel sluggish, but the more you move the more you’ll want to move.”

ENERGY ROBBER #8: Depression
Depression can cause a number of phy-sical symptoms in people age 50 and older, including fatigue, says geriatrician Francis Salerno, M.D. “Depression is very treatable through medication and counseling,” he says. If you’ve felt “down” for more than two weeks, talk to your doctor.

ENERGY ROBBER #9: Poor diet
“If you eat a diet full of sugary, processed foods, you’re not fueling your body properly,” says registered dietitian Judy Holaska. “And without the right fuel, you won’t have the energy you need to make it through the day.” Her suggestions: Eat several healthy mini-meals each day, get plenty of fiber, limit caffeine and drink lots of water (enough to make your urine pale yellow).

ENERGY ROBBER #10: Hormones
As any woman who’s been through menopause knows, hormonal changes can wreak havoc with your energy level. Rev back up by eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly and taking time to care for yourself, says gynecologist Helene Leonetti, M.D. She often prescribes a natural progesterone cream to her menopausal patients.

ENERGY ROBBER #11: Social isolation
There’s nothing like time with friends to boost your well-being—and prevent the isolation that can lead to depression. “Focus on positive people,” Brislin says. “Negativity is an energy drainer.” He also suggests volunteering: “Helping other people keeps you connected and is good for your spirit.”