EVERYDAY ACTIVITY PARAMETERS AND COMPETENCE IN OLDER ADULTS

Parameters of everyday activities in relation to cognitive, social, an d emotional competence were examined in 2 studies, The parameters incl uded frequency, difficult importance, intentions for future activities , changes in past activities, and ability of performance. The challeng e hypothesis, in which performance of optional activities experienced as moderately difficult is associated with greatest well-being, was al so tested. Two samples of older adults completed a life history interv iew and measures of psychological functioning. Parameters of activitie s necessary for maintaining an independent engaged lifestyle were meas ured by the Everyday Activities Questionnaire. In both studies, compet ence variables helped explain activity parameters independently of age and demographic variables. There was no support for the challenge hyp othesis in either study.