The extent of tiredness and fatigue in the age group over 60 years in a healthy German population sample

In a community-based random sample of 622 elderly persons over 60 years of age,fatigue was assessed by means of the multidimensional fatigue inventory (MFI;a self-assessment measure). Higher fatigue values were found with increasing age, particularly physical feelings of fatigue, reduced activity and reduced motivation. Fatigue was associated with depression, with a low health-related quality of life and with subjective physical complaints. Distinct fatigue symptoms in the elderly should therefore be regarded as possible indicators for somatic and/or psychological burdens and should receive diagnostic and therapeutic attention. In the present paper, mean values and percentiles for different age groups over 60 years are given as norm values for the normal population over 60 years of age.