Final answer:
The risk of ADL impairments accelerates significantly after the mid- to late seventies, coinciding with a decrease in physical ability and immune system efficiency in late adulthood.
Step-by-step explanation:
The risk of having ADL (activities of daily life) impairments greatly accelerates after the mid- to late seventies. During late adulthood, which begins in the mid-60s, individuals often experience declines in physical ability, such as reduced muscle mass and slower reflexes. The immune system's efficiency also diminishes, increasing vulnerability to serious diseases like heart disease, cancer, and conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. Studies indicate that while medical advances have reduced the disabling effects of many diseases, there is nonetheless an increase in functional impairments and chronic diseases as one enters into late adulthood.