Everyday activity parameters and competence in older adults

Parameters of everyday activities in relation to cognitive, social, and emotional competence were examined in 2 studies. The parameters included frequency, difficulty, importance, intentions for future activities, changes in past activities, and ability of performance. The challenge hypothesis, in which performance of optional activities experienced as moderately difficult is associated with greatest well-being, was also tested. Two samples of older adults completed a life history interview and measures of psychological functioning. Parameters of activities necessary for maintaining an independent engaged lifestyle were measured by the Everyday Activities Questionnaire. In both studies, competence variables helped explain activity parameters independently of age and demographic variables. There was no support for the challenge hypothesis in either study.