This change doesn’t always indicate a specific illness. Metabolism slows down, taste becomes less pronounced, and the body begins to require less energy. Constantly pressuring the person to eat can cause unnecessary anxiety. In many cases, sharing time and conversation is more valuable than forcing them to eat.
2. Profound fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
This isn’t ordinary tiredness. It’s a persistent exhaustion that remains even after many hours of sleep. Every movement requires great effort, and the body seems to grow heavier with each passing day.
This fatigue can have medical causes, but it also reflects a deeper process: a progressive decline in vital energy. Supporting them involves respecting their new rhythms, reducing demands, and prioritizing calm.
3. Gradual withdrawal from social life
Social withdrawal is often mistaken for depression, but at this stage, it frequently represents a natural process of introspection. The person begins to cancel plans, avoids long conversations, and prefers silence or solitude.
This is not a lack of love or disinterest. It’s a way to conserve emotional energy and focus on what’s essential. Accompanying someone means being available without intruding, offering presence without imposing your company.
4. Changes in sleep and increased nighttime restlessness
Sleep schedules become disrupted. There may be more sleepiness during the day and wakefulness at night, or short, interrupted periods of rest. In some cases, intense dreams, vivid memories, or the sensation of seeing or sensing deceased people appear.
