Feeling exhausted in your 50's?
Discussion
Anyone else experience similar?
At 52yrs old I'm finding that I soon feel exhausted when doing manual work. I don't get out of breath, just feel drained of energy and have to sit down for a while before continuing.
Today I've been up and down ladders replacing 2 x ridge tiles on my garage roof. Not a difficult job, just involves being up the ladder chipping away at the mortar, removing the tiles, mixing new mortar, back up the ladder to relay them etc. Half way through I was knackered and had to sit down for a few minutes. I finished the job and tidied up, and was knackered again.
I'm a big bloke and don't do much exercise, but then I never have, but my size and strength have always allowed me to do hard manual work without issue. I've always taken on any task, helped folk with DIY/building work, lifting and carrying, laid shed bases, wheel barrowing aggregate etc. Never had a problem until the last few years. Maybe I'm just getting old?
At 52yrs old I'm finding that I soon feel exhausted when doing manual work. I don't get out of breath, just feel drained of energy and have to sit down for a while before continuing.
Today I've been up and down ladders replacing 2 x ridge tiles on my garage roof. Not a difficult job, just involves being up the ladder chipping away at the mortar, removing the tiles, mixing new mortar, back up the ladder to relay them etc. Half way through I was knackered and had to sit down for a few minutes. I finished the job and tidied up, and was knackered again.
I'm a big bloke and don't do much exercise, but then I never have, but my size and strength have always allowed me to do hard manual work without issue. I've always taken on any task, helped folk with DIY/building work, lifting and carrying, laid shed bases, wheel barrowing aggregate etc. Never had a problem until the last few years. Maybe I'm just getting old?
The Gauge said:
Anyone else experience similar?
At 52yrs old I'm finding that I soon feel exhausted when doing manual work. I don't get out of breath, just feel drained of energy and have to sit down for a while before continuing.
Today I've been up and down ladders replacing 2 x ridge tiles on my garage roof. Not a difficult job, just involves being up the ladder chipping away at the mortar, removing the tiles, mixing new mortar, back up the ladder to relay them etc. Half way through I was knackered and had to sit down for a few minutes. I finished the job and tidied up, and was knackered again.
I'm a big bloke and don't do much exercise, but then I never have, but my size and strength have always allowed me to do hard manual work without issue. I've always taken on any task, helped folk with DIY/building work, lifting and carrying, laid shed bases, wheel barrowing aggregate etc. Never had a problem until the last few years. Maybe I'm just getting old?
52? You're not old! Something sounds amiss but what you describe as "not a difficult job" sounds like bloody hard graft to me At 52yrs old I'm finding that I soon feel exhausted when doing manual work. I don't get out of breath, just feel drained of energy and have to sit down for a while before continuing.
Today I've been up and down ladders replacing 2 x ridge tiles on my garage roof. Not a difficult job, just involves being up the ladder chipping away at the mortar, removing the tiles, mixing new mortar, back up the ladder to relay them etc. Half way through I was knackered and had to sit down for a few minutes. I finished the job and tidied up, and was knackered again.
I'm a big bloke and don't do much exercise, but then I never have, but my size and strength have always allowed me to do hard manual work without issue. I've always taken on any task, helped folk with DIY/building work, lifting and carrying, laid shed bases, wheel barrowing aggregate etc. Never had a problem until the last few years. Maybe I'm just getting old?
Might be low blood pressure, anaemia, anything really. Have a check-up.
I have same problem at 77! Blood test showed low thyroid levels. Now on tablets to help and they do, doc says I will be on them for rest of my life.
About five years ago had same problem, prescribed steroids, omg, up at 07:00 cleaning out the roof gutters, could not sleep any longer, felt like the battery bunny
Worth going to doc for blood tests
About five years ago had same problem, prescribed steroids, omg, up at 07:00 cleaning out the roof gutters, could not sleep any longer, felt like the battery bunny
Worth going to doc for blood tests
alabbasi said:
Get show up to the doctor first thing in the morning and don't eat or drink anything after 9pm the night before. Get a blood work up for sugar levels and T levels. You might be off balance in your diet or your hormones.
This, and get them to check everything, had a spell like this, I am 62, working harder than ever lol, and not going to retire, dangerously low levels of something I cannot remember, more akin to pregnant women, was behind it. Would low blood oxygen and high blood pressure present such symptoms?
I went to A&E a few weeks ago with a blinding migraine, I recall they took my blood oxygen level and told me it was low and they were talking of admitting me. My migraine was so bad I just wanted some tablets and to go home to bed, so they then told me to take some deep breaths in and they did it again and it got it to a normal level - just. My GP later told me I have high blood pressure which Ilm on tablets for.
I went to A&E a few weeks ago with a blinding migraine, I recall they took my blood oxygen level and told me it was low and they were talking of admitting me. My migraine was so bad I just wanted some tablets and to go home to bed, so they then told me to take some deep breaths in and they did it again and it got it to a normal level - just. My GP later told me I have high blood pressure which Ilm on tablets for.
The Gauge said:
Would low blood oxygen and high blood pressure present such symptoms?
I went to A&E a few weeks ago with a blinding migraine, I recall they took my blood oxygen level and told me it was low and they were talking of admitting me. My migraine was so bad I just wanted some tablets and to go home to bed, so they then told me to take some deep breaths in and they did it again and it got it to a normal level - just. My GP later told me I have high blood pressure which Ilm on tablets for.
Low blood oxygen results in shortness of breath. Best not keep guessing.I went to A&E a few weeks ago with a blinding migraine, I recall they took my blood oxygen level and told me it was low and they were talking of admitting me. My migraine was so bad I just wanted some tablets and to go home to bed, so they then told me to take some deep breaths in and they did it again and it got it to a normal level - just. My GP later told me I have high blood pressure which Ilm on tablets for.
As my 50’s progressed, I found myself getting more and more exhausted, doing less and less work. In addition to this, I was also getting more and more depressed and anxious. What made it worse was that my job wasn’t particularly physical, just quite stressful. I retired when I was 60, in 2019.
What a change! The stress virtually disappeared overnight. We got a dog, I walk him 3 times a day. We go on regular, longish walks and I am gradually walking further and faster. In addition, I have currently lost 5 stone (still losing more) and feel brilliant! I have more energy than I have had in 25 years. I guess what I’m trying to say is, yes, I did have low energy levels in my 50’s, but if you are the same, persevere because it can and does get better. Small changes were the secret, find anyway you can to minimise any stress in your life and get out in the fresh air as often as possible, even if it is only for 5-10 minutes.
What a change! The stress virtually disappeared overnight. We got a dog, I walk him 3 times a day. We go on regular, longish walks and I am gradually walking further and faster. In addition, I have currently lost 5 stone (still losing more) and feel brilliant! I have more energy than I have had in 25 years. I guess what I’m trying to say is, yes, I did have low energy levels in my 50’s, but if you are the same, persevere because it can and does get better. Small changes were the secret, find anyway you can to minimise any stress in your life and get out in the fresh air as often as possible, even if it is only for 5-10 minutes.
Mr.Chips said:
As my 50’s progressed, I found myself getting more and more exhausted, doing less and less work. In addition to this, I was also getting more and more depressed and anxious. What made it worse was that my job wasn’t particularly physical, just quite stressful. I retired when I was 60, in 2019.
What a change! The stress virtually disappeared overnight. We got a dog, I walk him 3 times a day. We go on regular, longish walks and I am gradually walking further and faster. In addition, I have currently lost 5 stone (still losing more) and feel brilliant! I have more energy than I have had in 25 years. I guess what I’m trying to say is, yes, I did have low energy levels in my 50’s, but if you are the same, persevere because it can and does get better. Small changes were the secret, find anyway you can to minimise any stress in your life and get out in the fresh air as often as possible, even if it is only for 5-10 minutes.
All well and good, but seeking medical advice is far better advice than ignoring and hoping things improve. What a change! The stress virtually disappeared overnight. We got a dog, I walk him 3 times a day. We go on regular, longish walks and I am gradually walking further and faster. In addition, I have currently lost 5 stone (still losing more) and feel brilliant! I have more energy than I have had in 25 years. I guess what I’m trying to say is, yes, I did have low energy levels in my 50’s, but if you are the same, persevere because it can and does get better. Small changes were the secret, find anyway you can to minimise any stress in your life and get out in the fresh air as often as possible, even if it is only for 5-10 minutes.
Yes, you have to be persistent to get anywhere, use the health service while we have it, the vultures are circling.
So many men ignore symptoms.
anyoldcardave said:
Mr.Chips said:
As my 50’s progressed, I found myself getting more and more exhausted, doing less and less work. In addition to this, I was also getting more and more depressed and anxious. What made it worse was that my job wasn’t particularly physical, just quite stressful. I retired when I was 60, in 2019.
What a change! The stress virtually disappeared overnight. We got a dog, I walk him 3 times a day. We go on regular, longish walks and I am gradually walking further and faster. In addition, I have currently lost 5 stone (still losing more) and feel brilliant! I have more energy than I have had in 25 years. I guess what I’m trying to say is, yes, I did have low energy levels in my 50’s, but if you are the same, persevere because it can and does get better. Small changes were the secret, find anyway you can to minimise any stress in your life and get out in the fresh air as often as possible, even if it is only for 5-10 minutes.
All well and good, but seeking medical advice is far better advice than ignoring and hoping things improve. What a change! The stress virtually disappeared overnight. We got a dog, I walk him 3 times a day. We go on regular, longish walks and I am gradually walking further and faster. In addition, I have currently lost 5 stone (still losing more) and feel brilliant! I have more energy than I have had in 25 years. I guess what I’m trying to say is, yes, I did have low energy levels in my 50’s, but if you are the same, persevere because it can and does get better. Small changes were the secret, find anyway you can to minimise any stress in your life and get out in the fresh air as often as possible, even if it is only for 5-10 minutes.
Yes, you have to be persistent to get anywhere, use the health service while we have it, the vultures are circling.
So many men ignore symptoms.
The Gauge said:
Would low blood oxygen and high blood pressure present such symptoms?
I went to A&E a few weeks ago with a blinding migraine, I recall they took my blood oxygen level and told me it was low and they were talking of admitting me. My migraine was so bad I just wanted some tablets and to go home to bed, so they then told me to take some deep breaths in and they did it again and it got it to a normal level - just. My GP later told me I have high blood pressure which Ilm on tablets for.
New tablets? Could be that as well...I went to A&E a few weeks ago with a blinding migraine, I recall they took my blood oxygen level and told me it was low and they were talking of admitting me. My migraine was so bad I just wanted some tablets and to go home to bed, so they then told me to take some deep breaths in and they did it again and it got it to a normal level - just. My GP later told me I have high blood pressure which Ilm on tablets for.
This is a bit of a wake up call IMO. Being fat and inactive causes puts you at risk of all sorts of issues.
Bill said:
This is a bit of a wake up call IMO. Being fat and inactive causes puts you at risk of all sorts of issues.
I am 50, it seems to be the age where everything you ignored and thought you were getting away with over the last 30 years comes home to roost.Eat rubbish = suddenly become a fat b
d and it becomes very difficult to shed the weight.Ignore going to the dentist = Teeth just start to shatter
Lack of exercise = High blood pressure, cholesterol and other issues due to being inactive.
Too much sun = Wrinkles and start to look older than your years.
It's been a massive wake up call for me, I have started to look after myself before it is too late.
I stopped exercising a couple of weeks ago due to being busy with other stuff. It was dramatic how quickly my fitness has regressed.
I'm back to being breathless at top of stairs, and dizzy when standing. Almost went to ER at one point as thought was having another heart event.
Now I have got back into exercise, and things have got a bit better but it was hard to get going.
Unfortunately fitness is something you really have to keep working at, or you lose your gains and they are harder to get back. As you get older it becomes harder but more important to keep up the routine. sucks!
I'm back to being breathless at top of stairs, and dizzy when standing. Almost went to ER at one point as thought was having another heart event.
Now I have got back into exercise, and things have got a bit better but it was hard to get going.
Unfortunately fitness is something you really have to keep working at, or you lose your gains and they are harder to get back. As you get older it becomes harder but more important to keep up the routine. sucks!
Edited by lizardbrain on Tuesday 23 April 17:29
The Gauge said:
Anyone else experience similar?
At 52yrs old I'm finding that I soon feel exhausted when doing manual work. I don't get out of breath, just feel drained of energy and have to sit down for a while before continuing.
Today I've been up and down ladders replacing 2 x ridge tiles on my garage roof. Not a difficult job, just involves being up the ladder chipping away at the mortar, removing the tiles, mixing new mortar, back up the ladder to relay them etc. Half way through I was knackered and had to sit down for a few minutes. I finished the job and tidied up, and was knackered again.
I'm a big bloke and don't do much exercise, but then I never have, but my size and strength have always allowed me to do hard manual work without issue. I've always taken on any task, helped folk with DIY/building work, lifting and carrying, laid shed bases, wheel barrowing aggregate etc. Never had a problem until the last few years. Maybe I'm just getting old?
Get a private men's blood test online (Medichecks, wellman etc) you can get a local hospital to draw the blood or pay around £40 for a private nurse to come over an take it. This will show you all your hormone levels as well as thyroid and all the basics. I say do this privately as your GP will not do this, but will just do a very basic blood test that will pretty much tell you your alive still!! I'm only telling you from years of experience and suffering badly with low testosterone.At 52yrs old I'm finding that I soon feel exhausted when doing manual work. I don't get out of breath, just feel drained of energy and have to sit down for a while before continuing.
Today I've been up and down ladders replacing 2 x ridge tiles on my garage roof. Not a difficult job, just involves being up the ladder chipping away at the mortar, removing the tiles, mixing new mortar, back up the ladder to relay them etc. Half way through I was knackered and had to sit down for a few minutes. I finished the job and tidied up, and was knackered again.
I'm a big bloke and don't do much exercise, but then I never have, but my size and strength have always allowed me to do hard manual work without issue. I've always taken on any task, helped folk with DIY/building work, lifting and carrying, laid shed bases, wheel barrowing aggregate etc. Never had a problem until the last few years. Maybe I'm just getting old?
I don't want to worry you OP but a few weeks after feeling the symptoms you describe I had a (fortunately mild) heart attack at age 46.
I'm 6ft and 15st. Sedentary job, gave up regular exercise when I had a kid a couple of years prior. Having a kid at 41 really affected my sleep, I was constantly knackered, so used to find it a convenient excuse to sit on my arse and not do any exercise. A foolish decision, in hindsight.
Fast forward a couple of years and I did a circuits class after work. I knew I was a little out of shape, but stuff I could have easily done a few years before really made me breathless. Then I took my then 2yo son for a bike ride in a seat on the back of my MTB, even on the flat I was struggling and just felt tired for the effort I was putting in. A week later I had a heart attack.
Turns out I had a blockage in my Left Anterior Descending Artery, aka 'The Widowmaker'. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Left_anterior_descen...
I survived it and had one stent, but suffered damage to my heart that will never recover and am on medication for life. I now go to the gym a couple of times a week. I hate it but needs must.
As I say, I don't want to scare you, but I also don't want you to go through what I did. Go and get checked out at your GP.
I'm 6ft and 15st. Sedentary job, gave up regular exercise when I had a kid a couple of years prior. Having a kid at 41 really affected my sleep, I was constantly knackered, so used to find it a convenient excuse to sit on my arse and not do any exercise. A foolish decision, in hindsight.
Fast forward a couple of years and I did a circuits class after work. I knew I was a little out of shape, but stuff I could have easily done a few years before really made me breathless. Then I took my then 2yo son for a bike ride in a seat on the back of my MTB, even on the flat I was struggling and just felt tired for the effort I was putting in. A week later I had a heart attack.
Turns out I had a blockage in my Left Anterior Descending Artery, aka 'The Widowmaker'. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Left_anterior_descen...
I survived it and had one stent, but suffered damage to my heart that will never recover and am on medication for life. I now go to the gym a couple of times a week. I hate it but needs must.
As I say, I don't want to scare you, but I also don't want you to go through what I did. Go and get checked out at your GP.
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