Answer to Question 1
Everyday competence is determined by assessing how well people can complete activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). ADLs are basic, everyday self-care tasks such as bathing, toileting, eating, walking, and dressing. IADLs are actions that require some intellectual competence and planning. Actions considered IADLs vary by culture. In Western culture, IADLs would include making and keeping appointments, taking medications properly, shopping, and paying bills. The number of older adults who need assistance with ADLs and IADLs has declined somewhat since the 1990s.
Answer to Question 2
An increasing number of older adults have HIV/AIDS. The Administration on Aging (2012) estimates that by 2015, half of the people in the United States with HIV will be over the age of 50. Although older men are at higher risk, older women are at risk as well. For men, the most common risk factor is homosexual or bisexual activity. AIDS is usually transmitted to older women through heterosexual activity with an infected partner. Older adults may be more susceptible to AIDS due to weakened immune systems. Weakened immune systems also mean that the progression from HIV positive to AIDS is more rapid among older adults, and once diagnosed with AIDS, older adults mortality rates are higher than younger adults. Older adults need to be educated about their risk for HIV/AIDS.