As we age, we often attribute our frequent bouts of tiredness to our bodies' natural slowing down. But what if the culprit behind our constant fatigue isn't physical exertion but something we do mentally every single day? It turns out the seemingly innocuous daily decisions we make—from choosing what to wear to deciding what to have for dinner—could be the very thing that's leaving us feeling drained.


At the Seniors Discount Club, we understand that maintaining energy levels is crucial for enjoying our golden years. That's why we're delving into the surprising findings from recent studies that shed light on a phenomenon known as 'decision fatigue'.


Decision fatigue is based on the idea that our brains have a limited reserve of mental energy for making decisions. Just like a muscle that tires out after prolonged use, our brain's decision-making capabilities can also become exhausted. This can lead to a decrease in our ability to make sound choices as the day progresses.


Researchers at the Paris Brain Institute have discovered that a neurotransmitter called glutamate, essential for sending signals between neurons in the brain accumulates after making decisions. This build-up of glutamate can clog our mental pathways, making it increasingly difficult to tackle new decisions. Their study, which involved participants engaging in memory tasks while in an MRI scanner, found that the number of tasks, rather than their difficulty, led to this mental congestion.

Interestingly, the study also revealed that as participants grew more tired from the harder tasks, they began to opt for immediate, smaller rewards over larger ones that would come later. This suggests that when our brains are tired, we're more likely to choose the path of least resistance, even if it's not the most beneficial choice in the long run.

However, the Paris Brain Institute is not the only one exploring this area. Other research, including a 2016 study published in Chronobiology International, found that people tend to make more rational decisions earlier in the day. Similarly, a 2021 Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services study observed that impulse buying is more likely to occur later when decision fatigue has set in.


So, how can we combat decision fatigue and keep our energy levels up? The good news is that there are strategies we can employ to manage our mental reserves better. For starters, getting a good night's sleep is essential for rebalancing glutamate levels in the brain. Additionally, incorporating short breaks throughout the day can help replenish our 'budget' of attention, as suggested by a 2021 study on Major League Baseball umpires.

Here are some practical tips for our senior community to minimise decision fatigue:

1. Simplify Your Choices: Reduce the number of decisions you have to make by planning meals ahead of time or creating a capsule wardrobe with pieces that easily mix and match.

2. Prioritize Decisions: Tackle the most important decisions early in the day when your mental energy is at its peak.


3. Take Breaks: Schedule regular intervals of rest throughout your day to give your brain a chance to recover.

4. Establish Routines: Routines can automate some of your daily decisions, freeing up mental energy for more complex tasks.

5. Delegate: When appropriate, don't be afraid to ask for help or delegate decisions to family members or caregivers.


By understanding the impact of decision fatigue and taking steps to manage it, we can preserve our mental energy and stay sharp throughout the day. So, the next time you feel inexplicably tired, consider reviewing your decision-making habits—they might just be the key to reinvigorating your energy levels.
We'd love to hear from you, our wise and experienced readers. Have you noticed decision fatigue affecting your life? What strategies have you found helpful in maintaining your energy and decision-making abilities? Please share your thoughts and tips in the comments below, and let's help each other navigate the complexities of modern life with vitality and vigour.