Follow
Share

He feels very sleepy 2 hrs after eating. He seems to be in a downward spiral where he has no energy, yet doesn't feel very hungry. Therefore he doesn't eat much, which doesn't give him fuel....(I tried explaining this to him). He says he feels better after he eats, but then after about 2 hours he suddenly feels very sleepy again. He keeps loosing weight and muscle mass. His balance is getting worse, so he hunches over when he walks (sometimes with a walker) so he won't fall backwards. Generally speaking, this is a man who was very physically active until about age 75. He's had 2 hip replacements, recovered okay from them. My mother passed away almost 5 years ago. The first 2 years he seemed physically okay, the 3 year he slowed down a little and moved to an independent living facility. Year 3 even more so and now on year 5 he seems to be rapidly declining. He says he shouldn't be this way and has sent me the task to "look up on the computer" what is wrong with him.

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
I'm sorry, but sometimes we, including myself, over think things. My dad is 76, with Alzheimer's, and he is getting older. He too is losing muscle mass but maintaining a steady weight. What you've described doesn't sound abnormal for an elderly man of 82. Our bodies get tired. As we age they get tired quickly. Let him enjoy his naps, if he enjoys them. At 82 he's earned a nap whenever he needs one.
Helpful Answer (4)
Report

Stumbled across this site and I've never been so grateful in all my life.

My dad is much like yours. Sleeping ALL day, trying to get my dad outside for a walk, fresh air was not an option, he simply wanted to sleep...a computer, Koodoos!

I hate drugs. I feel that they only mask symptoms, certain meds cause even more problems BUT seeing my dad sleeping all day, not living, just existing made me feel horrible for him. Understanding that age, the inevitable declines that are a part of aging and losses (wife, siblings, house etc..) all play a role in the physical and mental decline of our aging parents but that doesn't mean we should sit by and watch with idle hands.
I decided to have a chat with my dad (this goes back many years) and I came right out and asked him about taking an antidepressant. I don't exactly recall what I said, how I said it but I did. It was daring, as I was asking a man who never took or needed a medication in his life, ate organically, I was going out on a limb and nervous cause I'd exhausted any other measures to get my dad out of bed.
Surprisingly, my dad agreed.
The mild dose of an anti-depressant really helped.
The anti-depressant helped my dad get out of bed, get outside, be willing to engage with others, live, laugh and I saw a newish man. Albeit, he still slept but he answered the phone, he went to his meals, he enjoyed our time together rather than finding reasons sleep.
At that time dad was living in a retirement home, unaided, could do as he wanted, meals were prepared or he could make his own.
I know everyone is different, situations are different, I'm just throwing this out there because no one else has and wayyyy back then, my dad became healthier due to the minor change.
I'm not a medication pusher, thought this might help.
(Thank you for letting me share the happy' s in my dad's life, lately they're few and far between).
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

We have grown to expect to become frail by the time we are 75. My family has remained active into their late 80s and even up to 100. Don't assume that advanced age must be equated with frailty or ill health. Take your dad in for a complete physical and testing. He should be tested for thyroid & D3 as well as for B12 deficiency. The other problem could be diabetes. A glucose tolerance test will reveal if there's a problem with low or high blood sugar or possibly diabetes or hypoglycemia. Physical therapy could help his posture and his endurance and balance. My mother is having PT at 104 to help her regain her strength after multiple UTIs. Your dad could also be anemic.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

Thank you everyone for so many suggestions! There are other details that I did not share that he already tried that you had suggested, for example, he has tried some anti-depressants, but had suicidal side effects from them and stopped taking them immediately! If I wrote every single detail, it would be a book. I am planning to encourage him to see his PCP and look into diabetes, oesteoporases, a back brace, some exercise even if very little and snacking for more carlories. I have a few of your other idea in mind, and will refer back to this thread again as he tries some changes to see if they will help. I think generally, at age 83, declining health can be expected, but if he wants to try to make things better, then that's good! God bless!
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Is he eating high sugar foods? Drinking coffee? If so, they could cause an energy level drop after absorption and cause him to nap. On the other hand, if he's not very hungry, is he getting enough protein and well rounded diet? This can be a vicious cycle because if he's tired he's not going to walk or exercise, and that can make him less steady on his feet.

I think your first option should be his medical team, starting with his internist or PCP (if that's a very thorough doctor; some aren't). I would take him to an orthopedic doctor as well to address what may be osteoporosis.

There's a possibility of getting a back brace as well; the one we bought is made of really thick and tight elastic and does provide good support. We purchased it despite recommendations to the contrary by a physiatrist and orthopedic surgeon, who felt that exercise was better. We agreed, but at the stage of osteoporosis my father has, he needs some support - now.

PT would help as well if your father can get his energy back enough to do PT; that will certainly give him more balance strength.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Just my 2 cents.
Knowledge helps with making decisions.
Get a blood pressure monitor.
Get a glucose blood tester (finger poke device).
Thermometer.
Also compute his daily caloric intake by using a site such as CalorieCount.
Also check mouth, tongue etc.
Check vitals as best you can and see if anything looks off.
Test a few times a day to see if any on those show abnormal then at least you can make decisions on telling doctor. same with calories.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

IMO, everyone, as long as they can move, benefits from exercise. Find a PT or certified exercise therapist who could develop a simple exercise routine. Exercise is good for one's brain and mood. See if any on the staff can help. Very light weights, ball toss, Get him moving-even a little bit.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

The loss of muscle mass has nothing to do with sleeping.Iti does have a lot to do with inactivity and lack of protein in his diet. spending too much time in bed and not exercising will also promote the loss of muscle.He sounds depressed, & it's easier to sleep that to deal with profound sorrow.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Getting enough protein (not enough can relate to loss of muscle) and enough activity when mobility decreases can be a real challenge. As a caregiver, I found that offering cut up apple slices with peanut or almond butter spread on slices made a perfect mid morning or afternoon snack. My clients loved it and looked forward to. High in natural sugar and tasty, also had the side effect of keeping b.m.s regular. Men in particular are hesitant to use walkers or canes, but with encouragement will usually appreciate ability to get around. Some physical therapists will give directives to walk around the house, to the end of the street, something very doable that is short and can be increased to rebuild strength and may be worth a try. Walking (guardian angel style) along side someone can increase trust and feeling of safety if that is on concern. Also creates a time for discussion about past or other things of interest. My dad went very quickly from atherosclerosis and I never had the opportunity to do this with him, so know that this opportunity you have is very precious. Hope this is helpful.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

There are some great exercise routines that can be done from a chair on youtube. I do them with my husband. It helps you to stay fit and off your feet/knees.

youtube/watch?v=m7zCDiiTBTk
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

See All Answers
This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter