What are the activities of daily living (ADL)?

Activities of daily living, commonly referred to as ADLs, encompass the essential activities that individuals perform on a daily basis to maintain their health and well-being. These activities include basic functions necessary for self-care, such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and mobility. They are foundational tasks that are crucial for independent living.

The definition of ADLs primarily focuses on the ordinary, routine actions that individuals manage daily without complications. While some individuals may require assistance with these tasks due to various reasons such as age, disability, or illness, the concept of ADLs does not inherently relate to the need for assistance; rather, it concentrates on the common daily functions themselves.

Other options suggest more specific or limited activities. For instance, focusing exclusively on exercise does not align with the broad nature of ADLs, which include a variety of self-care tasks beyond just physical fitness. Similarly, complex tasks that require advanced skills do not fit within the definition of ADLs, which aim to capture fundamental, everyday necessities rather than specialized abilities.