What does the term disability refer to?

The term disability refers specifically to any lost, absent, or impaired physical or mental function. This definition encompasses a wide range of conditions that affect a person's ability to perform daily activities or participate fully in society. It recognizes that disabilities can be both physical, such as mobility impairments, and mental, such as cognitive or psychological conditions. By focusing on the loss or impairment of functions, this definition allows for a broader understanding of how various conditions can impact an individual's life.

Other choices describe aspects that might be related but do not encapsulate the full meaning of disability. For example, while a medical condition that is temporary could lead to a disability, the term itself does not imply temporariness. Similarly, a social disadvantage and characteristics of aging can be related to disability but are not defining features of it. Therefore, the most accurate and comprehensive understanding of the term disability is the loss or impairment of physical or mental functions.