Over 60 no energy

[shadowsoftime]

 I'm 64 and looking for some vitamins that actually work for energy. Anyone taking anything that works.
Don't want any caffeine drinks, Monster, tweakers.

[sandy]

I take a multivitamin, a D3 and a magnesium (400mg). Doing some cardio daily will generate energy by raising metabolism. Walk daily.

[John Schmidt]

Sandy has a good handle on it, especially the cardio via walking. You'll find being active actually helps you stay active. Myself, I try to hit the gym a minimum of twice a week, often three times. I usually will put 15 or more minutes on the stationary bike just to get the legs warmed up and the blood circulating good. Then I hit the weights by using the various machines. I'm beyond using heavy weight, just some good resistance with numerous reps, usually three sets. One day will be mostly upper body, next visit will be lower body...legs, abs(wouldn't know it to look at me), trunk, etc., third day will be a combo of both upper and lower body. There are days I have to force myself to go, but afterward I feel great....tired, but great. I've been able to maintain 210lbs. for years. Can I stand to lose some weight? Yes! Could I eat a little better...probably! But, my last blood work showed the only issue is blood sugar, everything else is normal; pulse in the low 50's or below at rest, BP generally around 115-120/60-70.  The next question is, does the gym work? For me, yes. I'm 82 and still riding. If you want to make certain you're still driving and walking unaided as you age, you need to make sure your lower body is strong so as to prevent falls, i.e....break a hip or worse. Do something to keep your hand/eye coordination sharp. That helps to prevent falls and keeps you safer while driving because you can react more quickly. Just a few things to ponder, but it's your own personal situation and ability you need to consider. Many folks by the time they hit their 60's have a number of physical limitations so you'll have to work within those boundaries. Good luck.

[Jess from VA]

I have to concur with John, nothing helps like physical exercise... just walking (not speed, but more than a stroll) for 40 minutes as often as you can.  Or a bicycle, treadmill, a half day working in the yard, or washing and waxing vehicles, or anything that gets your heart rate up (I never have done gyms).  I'm 67 and still have the ability to go out and work pretty hard.... I just don't want to due to laziness mostly.  I started walking again during this stay at home crap, and it helps with energy, attitude, motivation and better sleep.  But heat (and laziness) has got to me again.

Most legal and illegal stimulants work pretty good, but later you crash (or go to jail).  But I confess to morning coffee addiction.

Even riding my bike (just sitting there) also makes me feel better, more mental exercise than physical (but your heart rate is up).  

No vitamin or supplement ever did much of anything for me, except for sour burps.

I also drink lots of water all day everyday.  

[shadowsoftime]

John, Jess are right.
I forgot, 9 years ago I weighed 250 at 6 foot, made up my own diet,worked out on weight bench 4 times a day, in 4 months I weighed 180, built up muscle and felt great.
I had determination then, need to get it back and stop being lazy, I just weighed myself, 223
All my weight is in gut, don't have an ass anymore.

[Patrick]

Have you your thyroid output checked ? If its low it has an impact on energy.

I take thyroid medicine also along with a daily vitamin.

Weight loss ? That can certainly help. I lost 83# in 2 months, but, wouldn't recommend that 'diet' to anyone. I like being skinny again.

[Jess from VA]

All my weight is in gut, don't have an ass anymore.

This is what I see in the mirror (when I look, which is as little as possible).

I'm shorter and lighter than you, but still appear to be shoplifting a small/medium pillow under my Tshirt everywhere I go.  

It's not the best I ever looked, but it doesn't bother me any, physically or mentally.  I eat less now than anytime in my previous life (pre-retirement).  And my weight/size is consistent (all my life), so I'm a larger me but not gaining any (more than +/- 3-4lbs, winter to summer.)

I decided a long time ago I would spend time being healthier, but not necessarily more attractive (beyond close haircuts and shaving, and the occasional shower).

Also, if I did go crazy and drop 20 lbs, all my pants would really make me look old, all belted down and baggy ass.  So that's out.  

Sit ups (bent knee) will do more for a gut than any other exercise, but I think I'd rather go to the dentist than do sit ups.  And I hate my dentist.      

[Tundra]

  All of the above is good, especially the exercise. Research vitamin B12 and B6 or Vitamin B-Complex, if I forget mine in the morning, I turn around and go home to get them. It makes a noticeable difference for me in positive mood, cognitive ability and energy. Also research the Vitamin D3, some folks have reactions to this. My Dr. did rule out other possibilities with lab work, the exercise and B-6, B12 is the right path for me. Not everyone should follow the same path, your path/cause may be different. Please do your own research as well, good pointers here and maybe get some blood/lab work  and see a physician. He/She will put you on the correct path for you and hopefully nip this in the bud.
Some vitamins/supplements just make expensive urine. Best of luck

[old2soon]

     While it DO kick my azz mowing the lawn IS Good exercise. I have those hand exercisers/squeezers and those Really help the forearms. Deep knee bends help. I have a 15 pound barbell that gets some use while planted in front of the flat screen. I Know I don't git enough exercise-see Jess's scuse-but I also iz Not a lump All week either. I could stand to shed a few pounds and sleepin is NOT a problem for me. One thing I realize I may Never regain is my wind. C O P D does that too ya. I take an age related store multi vite and Presser A Reds fer the vision. Trick is Not to lay around and Worry bout it. Actually git up and bust the sheen on yer jeans. And the Main thing I haven't seen brought up yet-you gonna walk make cursed sure your shoes Fit are comfortable and meant for walking. RIDE SAFE.

[Oss]

About the only thing I can see without glasses IS my gut

Used to be 6-3 180 now 230+ and think I lost a half inch in height at 64 yrs of age

For energy I make a shake with the old vita mix each morning
Magnesium powder, some strawberries, blueberries, spinach, cherry tomatoes, pineapple  sometimes kale from the garden
and a few scoops of collagen powder and a few ounces of yogurt

In the winter months I take the d3 drops

I can work thru lunch hour but prefer to get a turkey sandwich or fish and chips around 2pm

Have not had coffee in 20+ years, just dont need it

[old2soon]

About the only thing I can see without glasses IS my gut

Used to be 6-3 180 now 230+ and think I lost a half inch in height at 64 yrs of age

For energy I make a shake with the old vita mix each morning
Magnesium powder, some strawberries, blueberries, spinach, cherry tomatoes, pineapple  sometimes kale from the garden
and a few scoops of collagen powder and a few ounces of yogurt

In the winter months I take the d3 drops

I can work thru lunch hour but prefer to get a turkey sandwich or fish and chips around 2pm

Have not had coffee in 20+ years, just dont need it

     
                 Fer as the caffeine goes I started young went in The Navy and drove big truck all over. Whether I visit my Bro or here at home after I unazz the bed and take care of "things" next stop git a pot of coffee started. There ARE some pleasures involved in my life I intend to keep around fer a bit yet.  RIDE SAFE.

[0leman]

Hey, I am in my mid 70's, went kayaking with DW and older kids yesterday.  Two miles up a really nice creek and back.  I was in a 12', everyone else was in shorter boats.   More work pushing a bigger kayak.   Yeah I do have enough energy to enjoy life.   

I do work out with weights 4 times a week and walk at least 3 miles 5 times a week.  I does help.   No special vitamins or supplements.   

I found that my thyroid quit working when I was 49 and take a tablet every morning.   One of the indications that your thyroid has quit working it weight gain.  I didn't have that problem, up to that time i was always eating as much as I could, but couldn't gain weight.  Two years later gain almost 30 lbs, mostly muscle. 

So get off your couch and do some exercises.  You showed that your can do it.   Don't have to look like Mr. America, just toned and full of it.

[Fazer]

Check in with Daniel Meyer--what he has done is breath taking. 

[Valker]

Have you had your Testosterone checked? Low T will do that also.

[shortleg]

 Am 73 and find a couple of hours at the gym in the AM seems to get me going.
Now I will admit that being retired lets me take a nap later.
  But getting in a rhythm you get your blood and mind clear.
 I get a b 12 shot ounce a week and take vit d .
   So far I am doing well.

[Techmike]

Have you had your Testosterone checked? Low T will do that also.

Sure will, I started shots 6 months ago and I feel like a new man.  Well worth looking into.

[Matt T]

I'm 61 and I take a multivitamin from Walmart for men over 60 plus, D3 1000 mg. If I miss a dose I can usually tell. I also was walking 6 to 10 miles a day in the spring. I slacked off on the walking and I can really tell in my energy level. I recently started walking daily again.

[hubcapsc]

Have not had coffee in 20+ years

We can no longer be friends ...

-Mike 

[0leman]

Have not had coffee in 20+ years

We can no longer be friends ...

-Mike 

We can be friends, but still I like my Coffee first thing in the morning. 

Have drank it since I was in my early 20's, Found it kept me going when we use to fight wildfire 20 plus hours straight.   Found I liked it and have drank it for over 50 years.   Only down side is that my hair, what is left, has turned white and gotten pretty thin.   Or maybe that was raising 3 daughters.  Not sure now. 

[semo97]

There is no magic pill it is a combination of life style changes. Like many have said get up get moving. Blood work a must do a full one, PSA a must. When was the last colonoscopy? The two silent killers colon and prostate. 8 hours of sleep every night and eat correctly. An over amount of sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco is not your friend. OSS has it right I also add beat root, spinach, alfalfa, wheat powder to his type of morning energy drink. I also make my own cabbage carrot culture to keep the good bugs working in the gut . I am 69 and it takes good habits to keep healthy and that isn't easy. I keep working out and do manual labor everyday, I am not happy if I am not sweating and stinking.

[Bret SD]

May as well chime in here..
(disclaimer) When it comes to fitness I'm a bit of an outlier to say the least. At 61 there are very few people I know of who're doing what I do.. just sharing a fact relevant to this discussion.

Some really sound advice has been dispensed here so I'll just make a few points to check.

Supplements (since you asked specifically)
- I take a Multi, lots of C, Niacin, D3, B-Complex, fish oil and occasionally some others like Mg..

Sleep hygeine (mega huge)
- How long do you sleep? What is the quality of sleep? Do you have apnea?

Stress level
- This one is also huge and will affect every facet of your overall health. What internal and exogenous stressors do you have? What mitigation techniques are you using?

Nutrition
- What is your diet like? A good rule of thumb is, if it doesn't rot.. don't eat it. Sugar, processed junk carbs, hydrogenated oils etc will not help you.. Do you have blood sugar problems?

Breathing
- What is your respiration rate? Do you primarily nose breathe?

Exercise
- Are you doing some consistent locomotion? (aside from Valkyrie, haha) Are you lifting some medium heavy objects regularly? Can you easily get up from the floor? Are you doing physical work like mowing lawn, weeding, shoveling etc?

Some thoughts:
- If your stress is high, find some ways to lessen it.
- Try and resolve any sleep issues (my biggest challenge)
- Don't eat junk, coffee is good in my book, so long as it's stopped by late afternoon.. stay away from sugar and diet drinks (sugar alcohol is as bad, or worse)
- Walk consistently, work up to an hour 3 days/week
- Pick up heavy things overhead and practice getting up easily from the floor.
- Take whatever supplements you deem prudent. Check out Doctor Yourself dot com for some very good supplement info.

Vitamin C is very powerful in higher doses.

Recommended books, for starters:
- Vitamin C, The Real Story
- The Oxygen Advantage

I practice what I preach and train 6-7 hrs a week on average.. you can get into and stay in great shape doing much less than what I do, just be consistent and keep moving.. and feed the organism good food (80% rule at least). Keep alcohol as an occasional treat, rather than a main dish.

My goal is to never be on a prescription drug and to wipe my own ass on my last day.. (and to ride the MC up until my last day)

At the risk of embarrassment, I post this pic from last week. My girl took it while laughing at the mask I made in order to get food..
My program is simple but not easy.. I also don't use conventional weight training, I'm a kettlebell instructor and use kettlebells, mace, rings and the ground to exercise. Anybody can do what I do, if they wish to put in the time and work.

[TTG53#1717]

When I had a normal job I did a lot on a Total Gym and dumbbells. Once I got into a 12 hr swing shift job with lots of full shift OT my exercise regimen suffered. The job was outside refinery operations so it had a lot of physical demand which helped make up for the lack of dedicated exercise.

14 yrs later, at 65, I climbed an 80 foot column twice in 6 minutes at 4 am during an upset and had a contractor tell me he was glad I was on shift instead of one of the lazy younger guys. I felt fine and finished my shift an hour later.

A week later, while sitting in front of the control board during a daytime upset. I had a very minor heart attack. I was told it was just stress. My Oxy saturation was low, I was grey and my Shift Supervisor was very concerned. BUT...my EKG was perfect so they sent me back to work. Two months later after working 17 very tough night shifts, with no time off, I had another at 3 am and convinced myself I just needed a few minutes rest. So I stopped to visit the stray cats I fed at work. My job was really beating me up and I was having more trouble maintaining my usual pace. I had 2 days off and did my monthly kitty litter change out the morning of the 3rd before going in for night shift. This involves multiple litter boxes, empty, clean,  re-fill, up & down stairs. I finished and remarked to my wife, a nurse, that I felt unusually fatigued. She looked at me and said “ER now”. It’s a mile as the crow flies.

I was in process with another mild attack. Perfect EKG, but my Troponin level was slightly elevated. Two hours later it was a little higher. They transferred me from our local hospital to a bigger one in the city. Perfect EKG again. Off to the Cath Lab...
40, 50, 60, 70% clogged. No stents possible. Full Quadruple Bypass. On Christmas Eve.

I’m lucky ! My heart is still in good shape. The new piping took well. I went back to work 4 months later and tore myself up in days turning big valves and climbing column ladders. I retired as scheduled 7 months later. My sternum never healed right so I have K-Tape holding my chest together and I still crunch a lot 18 months later. I can do 90+% of what I used to. I have my back yard machine shop, an HD chop build and VW bug resto to keep busy in between raising 2 grandkids during the day.

My EKG never changed until after the surgery.

YOU CANT TAKE CHANCES ! I racked up my lack of resting energy to the stress and demands of my rotating shift job and maintaining home and property. It was in fact a slow decline in blood availability to my ticker.

I would ask my GP to recommend a Cardiologist and get checked out.

[Bret SD]

When I had a normal job I did a lot on a Total Gym and dumbbells. Once I got into a 12 hr swing shift job with lots of full shift OT my exercise regimen suffered. The job was outside refinery operations so it had a lot of physical demand which helped make up for the lack of dedicated exercise.

14 yrs later, at 65, I climbed an 80 foot column twice in 6 minutes at 4 am during an upset and had a contractor tell me he was glad I was on shift instead of one of the lazy younger guys. I felt fine and finished my shift an hour later.

A week later, while sitting in front of the control board during a daytime upset. I had a very minor heart attack. I was told it was just stress. My Oxy saturation was low, I was grey and my Shift Supervisor was very concerned. BUT...my EKG was perfect so they sent me back to work. Two months later after working 17 very tough night shifts, with no time off, I had another at 3 am and convinced myself I just needed a few minutes rest. So I stopped to visit the stray cats I fed at work. My job was really beating me up and I was having more trouble maintaining my usual pace. I had 2 days off and did my monthly kitty litter change out the morning of the 3rd before going in for night shift. This involves multiple litter boxes, empty, clean,  re-fill, up & down stairs. I finished and remarked to my wife, a nurse, that I felt unusually fatigued. She looked at me and said “ER now”. It’s a mile as the crow flies.

I was in process with another mild attack. Perfect EKG, but my Troponin level was slightly elevated. Two hours later it was a little higher. They transferred me from our local hospital to a bigger one in the city. Perfect EKG again. Off to the Cath Lab...
40, 50, 60, 70% clogged. No stents possible. Full Quadruple Bypass. On Christmas Eve.

I’m lucky ! My heart is still in good shape. The new piping took well. I went back to work 4 months later and tore myself up in days turning big valves and climbing column ladders. I retired as scheduled 7 months later. My sternum never healed right so I have K-Tape holding my chest together and I still crunch a lot 18 months later. I can do 90+% of what I used to. I have my back yard machine shop, an HD chop build and VW bug resto to keep busy in between raising 2 grandkids during the day.

My EKG never changed until after the surgery.

YOU CANT TAKE CHANCES ! I racked up my lack of resting energy to the stress and demands of my rotating shift job and maintaining home and property. It was in fact a slow decline in blood availability to my ticker.

I would ask my GP to recommend a Cardiologist and get checked out.

Disclaimer: I'm not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV.. the advice below is for informational purposes only, follow the guidance of your physician.

Man, that's a scary story, my dad died in his sleep a year or so ago, we don't know what it was without an autopsy. He had to have one of his carotid arteries scraped a few years ago. I think his sudden passing was due to that condition, he ate margarine his whole life, which I warned him about 30 years ago.. butter is best if sourced wisely, I eat tons of Kerrygold, it's incredible.
The dirty little secret is when surgeons prep a transplant organs for the new recipient, it's washed/soaked in a solution of vitamin C, Lysine and Proline.. taking those clears arterial plaque.
They can't patent those nutrients so they'll put you on statin drugs instead. My girl was borderline high cholesterol and her doc wanted to give her statin drugs.. we got her on the above mentioned combo and she has been perfect since then.
My father never listened to my advice, well, he sorta did with some C supplementation. He was borderline scurvy years ago, when i told him that he said he drank a glass of 'juice' in the morning, and took his One-a-Day..

Lesson is.. do your own research, figure things out for yourself and take action when it's safe to do so. If you run the above vitamin protocol by your doc he/she will likely say something like.. 'well' it can't hurt I guess'.

When my girl's doc asked what she was doing to bring down the cholesterol she told him.. he shrugged and said something like, 'hey, it's working'