Fatigue among older people: A review of the research literature

Abstract

Background: Fatigue is a complex phenomenon associated with multiple antecedents and detrimental consequences. Although this symptom is prevalent in the older population, it is not easily recognized by nurses and has been under treated. Aim: The purpose of this review is to describe the existing research on fatigue on older adults with focus on the lived experience of fatigue, factors related to such fatigue experience and the impact of fatigue on overall health. Methods: A systematic search of the literature was undertaken to identify research evidence on fatigue among the older population. Three databases (i.e. OvidMedline, CINAHL and PsycINFO) were searched, resulting in 15 eligible studies. Three aspects about the fatigue phenomenon in older people were identified: the lived experience of fatigue, relating factors of fatigue, and impact of fatigue on overall health. Findings: The key findings suggest that fatigue is an overwhelming experience constrains physical capacity and the energy reserve required for appropriate functioning and social participation, as well as worsens their morbidity and mortality outcomes. Yet, its heterogeneous etiologies and multi-dimensional manifestations pose a huge challenge on its diagnosis and treatment. Indeed, there was inadequate research-base evidence on fatigue management for older people. This gap in literature may imply that this problem is poorly recognized and under-treated in older people. Conclusions: The findings highlight that fatigue is a substantial problem in older people that deserves early recognition and prompt treatment. Nurses need to be sensitive to the risk factors of fatigue in the older population and conduct a comprehensive fatigue assessment on the high risk case. Although this review only identified limited research-base evidence, the findings do give directions to the development of interventions for fatigue management for older people. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.