Ways to Conserve Energy

Do more of what you want to do without being exhausted by what you have to do!

Energy conservation is basically getting tasks done that you want to or need to without using as much physical or mental energy.

Energy conservation techniques are really helpful for people:

• recovering from an illness or accident (the flu, pneumonia, etc.),
• with progressive or chronic conditions (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease/COPD, heart failure, multiple sclerosis, ALS, etc.),
• who survived a stroke, or
• experience chronic fatigue.

By continuing you are agreeing to the Aging Uniquely Health and Legal Disclaimer at the bottom of the page.

Basic Principles: The 4 P’s of Energy Conservation

Planning, pacing, prioritizing and positioning properly can help conserve energy, increase independence and decrease the likelihood of a medical condition exacerbation (such as oxygen levels dropping, heart beating too fast, etc.). Many of these basic principles overlap as you will see in the examples below.

1. Planning
   • Schedule necessary appointments or do necessary tasks (bathing) at a time of the day when the person has the most energy.
   • Break large tasks into smaller tasks.
   • Break down tasks between days. Like laying out clothes and accessories the night before you need to get ready for your grandchild’s wedding.
   • Gather all necessary items from 1 room before going to another room. Examples: Gather clothes and all hygiene items before going to the bathroom, use a bag or alternative as necessary. Gather all cooking supplies and put them on the table where you will be assembling the meal.
   • Allow yourself extra time to complete tasks, like a morning routine, to avoid rushing and skipping necessary rest breaks.
   • Do NOT plan too much in 1 day, give yourself some grace.
2. Pacing
   • Take rest breaks during the task.
   • Rest before starting a task.
   • Do NOT skip rest breaks, that can lead to exhaustion and other issues.
   • Break large tasks into smaller tasks and take breaks in between.
   • Don’t rush and spend all your energy at once.
3. Prioritizing
   • Do the most important tasks (bathing, grooming, eating, etc.) first or only do those tasks if it is a difficult day. Sometimes a partial sponge bath is easier, but skipping thorough bathing several days is not hygienic.
   • Neglect the unimportant things if you do not have energy for them (making the bed, styling your hair).
   • Delegate or put someone else in charge of some of the tasks you cannot do yourself.
4. Positioning
   • Practice good posture.
   • Sit in positions where you are supported by the chair and are comfortable.
   • Sit while bathing. *Recommend training from an occupational therapist to safely use a shower chair or tub bench.*
   • Sit whenever possible during a task (sitting to cut vegetables).
   • Practice proper body mechanics. Use bigger muscles. Minimize bending. Slide items versus pick up items. When carrying items, keep items close to the body. Ask for help if something is too heavy.
   • Place items near waist height to minimize need for bending and reaching overhead. Bending and reaching overhead takes a lot of energy and makes some people more short of breath.

(St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, 2013)

Task Modifications

Task modifications are strategies to make tasks easier. This could be a new approach to a necessary task. Here are some ideas

• Use paper plates instead of washing plates.
• Use a dishwasher.
• If washing items, let them air dry on a drying rack.
• Use healthy microwavable foods.
• Get an automatic food processor or chopper versus hand cutting items.
• Automatic jar openers.
• Use an automatic vacuum.
• Use an automatic litter box.
• Use sturdy slip on or Velcro shoes with a back to avoid bending and tying.
• Slide items instead of lifting.
• Use a drying robe / towel robe versus actively drying. (I like the shorter ones, as people may be more likely to trip on the long one’s).
• Do small loads of laundry to avoid carrying heavy loads and lots of folding at once.
• Order groceries online and only put away perishable items, save non-perishable items for later.

Equipment

Adaptive equipment and durable medical equipment can help decrease the demands of a task. Some of the equipment below allows one to sit, minimize bending and decrease the amount of time spent holding an object.

• Hair dryer holder *Please make sure it is stable or securely attached to wall.*
• Shower chair or tub bench * Get proper training from a therapist.*
• Bed side commode, raised toilet seat and / or urinal to decrease the demands of sitting and standing and walking. Sturdy bed side commodes can be used near the bed or be placed over a toilet to add height and arm rests to the commode set up. *Ensure proper training and installation of bed side commodes or raised toilet seats.*
• Shoe horn to decrease bending and shortness of breath.
• Long handled sponge to minimize bending.
• 4 wheeled walker *If deemed safe by therapist* Also be aware that someone may need assistance to get the walker in and out of the car.
• Power wheelchair *Only if recommended by doctor.* This may be covered by insurance if deemed “medically necessary.”

Note: Some of these items may be able to be paid for using your HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Savings Account). Be sure to check your plan and consult with a tax preparer. Always save receipts for reimbursement and proof!

Smart and Assistive Technology

New technology is always emerging, and can help people:

• Manage their health including apps for medication, tracking weight, tracking exercise, etc.
• Connect with others through virtual platforms so they don’t always have to leave the home if that’s exhausting
• Participate in leisure activities such as streaming live concerts when they are not up to going in-person
• Complete daily tasks (housekeeping, cooking, etc.) including using a power wheelchair, having a robot vacuum, using smart blinds that are programmed to open and close, etc.

(Kaptain, Helle, & Larsen, 2024)

To learn read more about smart home technologies, check out my article is the CSA Journal.

Wellness

It can also be helpful to avoid things that can make your condition worse and practice healthy habits. This can allow for a more comfortable and happy life overall.

• Avoid aerosols.
• Ensure good ventilation (especially in showering areas). You can leave a window or door cracked, use a fan, etc.
• Practice good breathing techniques: pursed lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing.
• Know what constitutes as an emergency *Ask your specialty doctor for your specific parameters *(Ask at what point should I go to he hospital? )
• Know what to do in case of emergency *Ask your doctor when to call 911 versus going to urgent care versus scheduling an appointment.*
• Have an emergency preparedness/ evacuation plan. Have extra medication, portable oxygen if necessary and know the nearest place to evacuate.
• Make sure you can safely escape the house in a timely manner.
• Follow your speciality doctor (pulmonologist, cardiologist, etc.) recommendations to manage your ailment.
• Take time to relax.
• Remember to still engage in leisure tasks (refer to task modifications or consult a therapist for additional ideas to conserve energy while engaging in leisure tasks).
• Use technology to track your medical conditions.

Subscribe to our blog below so you never miss important information on Aging Uniquely!

Related Expert Articles: Interactions of the Person, Environment and Occupation or Tasks

References:

Kaptain, R. J., Helle, T., & Larsen, S. M. (2024). Everyday technology and assistive technology supporting everyday life activities in adults living with COPD – a narrative literature review. Disability and Rehabilitation.Assistive Technology, , 1-15. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2024.2431627

St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (2013).Energy Conservation. https://www.stjoes.ca/patients-visitors/patient-education/a-e/PD%208278%20Energy%20Conservation.pdf

Aging Uniquely Health and Legal Disclaimer:

By continuing with this site, you are agreeing that you acknowledge and understand this disclaimer in full and will not hold Aging Uniquely, parent companies or content creators liable for the information or use of information on this site because everyone ages uniquely and has unique needs. The content on Aging Uniquely sites is for general information purposes only and Aging Uniquely does not provide medical or health advice. It is not a substitute for medical or health professional advice and you should never ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking emergency care because of something you read on the Aging Uniquely website or social media platforms. If you are experiencing a medical emergency call 911 or seek emergency services. Aging Uniquely is not responsible for what may happen if you use their information in place of medical or professional advice. You are responsible for your own health and safety or how you apply this advice to adults/older adults you support. I highly recommend you consult the proper qualified medical or health profession before implementing any information from Aging Uniquely or other health related websites.