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As we age, our dexterity and fine motor skills tend to diminish. That makes it hard to perform simple tasks, such as but-toning a shirt or writing a letter. Add in some physical challenges such as arthritis, injury, or stroke, and older adults can easily lose the ability to care for themselves. "Being able to perform one's activities of daily living is often the difference between living independently at home or needing others to provide assistance, either at home or in a group living facility," says geriatrician Dr. Suzanne Salamon, an instructor at Harvard Medical School.
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