Final answer:
Older adults face difficulties with activities of daily living due to physical and cognitive impairments associated with aging, such as decreased muscle mass, chronic diseases, and Alzheimer's disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Older adults may have difficulty performing activities of daily living due to a variety of factors associated with aging. These can be physical, such as a decrease in muscle mass and slower reflexes, or cognitive, resulting from diseases like Alzheimer's that impair mental abilities. Chronic conditions, including arthritis and heart disease, are commonplace, affecting mobility and stamina. Moreover, challenges in psychosocial development, such as reduced social connectedness and changes in roles after retirement, can affect elders' ability to perform daily tasks. Collectively, these factors contribute to a decrease in the ability to perform activities of daily living independently.