Percentage of Older Adults Needing ADL Assistance

During a health assessment of an older adult client, the nurse evaluates the client's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). It is noted that the client experiences difficulty in activities such as bathing and grooming, which affects their overall independence. This situation is significant because as people transition into the older adult stage of development, they may experience changes that impact their functional ability.

According to the assessments, one critical aspect to consider is the typical need for assistance or adaptations as age advances. It is essential for healthcare providers to recognize that from the ages of 65 and older, the percentage of older adults who require some level of assistance with ADLs increases significantly. In fact, approximately _____% of older adults living in the community experience difficulties with at least one activity of daily living.