5 Subtle Changes That May Occur When an Older Person’s Health Is Declining
When an older loved one begins to change, the signs can sometimes be so subtle that family members wonder whether they are simply part of getting older—or whether something more serious is happening.
Changes in appetite, energy, communication, mood and breathing can occur when a person is becoming increasingly frail or approaching the final stage of a serious illness. But these signs cannot reliably predict that someone has only months or a year left to live. Similar symptoms can also result from infections, medication effects, depression, heart or lung problems, nutritional deficiencies and other conditions that may be treatable.
For that reason, the most helpful response isn’t panic. It’s attention, medical evaluation and compassionate care.
1. Unintentional Weight Loss and Reduced Appetite
One of the changes families may notice is that an older person gradually begins eating less.
Meals that were once enjoyable may become less appealing. The person might say they aren’t hungry, become full quickly or lose interest in foods they previously loved.
In advanced illness, reduced appetite and weight loss can be part of the body’s natural decline. However, unexplained weight loss should not automatically be interpreted as a sign that death is near.
Many medical conditions can cause someone to lose weight, including infections, digestive problems, dental difficulties, medication side effects and other illnesses.
That’s why a noticeable or continuing change deserves discussion with a healthcare professional.
If someone is receiving end-of-life care and no longer wants food, families should avoid forcing them to eat. Healthcare professionals can explain how to keep the person comfortable and how to respond to changing nutritional needs.
2. Increasing Fatigue and Sleeping More
Another possible change is a noticeable reduction in energy.
An older person who once enjoyed walking around the house, visiting family or participating in hobbies may begin spending more time sitting or lying down. Everyday activities may require considerably more effort.
In the final stages of life, increasing tiredness and drowsiness are common. A person may sleep for longer periods and have less energy for conversation or activities.
But persistent fatigue isn’t automatically an end-of-life sign.
Older adults can experience fatigue for many reasons, including poor sleep, anemia, medication effects, depression, infection or other medical conditions. The National Institute on Aging recommends discussing unexplained fatigue that continues for several weeks with a healthcare professional.
The important question is whether the change is new, persistent and accompanied by other changes.
3. Becoming More Quiet or Withdrawn
Sometimes a person’s social behavior changes.
They may stop participating in conversations, spend more time alone or appear less interested in activities that previously brought them pleasure.
For someone who is seriously ill and approaching the end of life, withdrawing from the world and sleeping more can occur as the body gradually becomes weaker.
But emotional withdrawal can have many other explanations.
Loneliness, depression, anxiety, hearing difficulties, medication side effects, pain and cognitive changes can all affect someone’s desire to communicate.
Instead of assuming the worst, try approaching the person gently.
A quiet conversation, a familiar voice, a favorite song or simply sitting beside them can sometimes provide comfort without demanding energy from them.
Continue reading on the next page
