Activities of daily living (ADLs) are a key link in the description of the relationship between human disease and the ability of an individual to perform normal physical and social activities. While models of this relationship are still being debated, the concept that diseases may cause impairments, which may in turn cause disability, is generally accepted. Disability is generally measured in terms of an individual's ability to perform ADLs.
ADLs are the tasks that are required for a person to be able to live in the community. Basic ADLs include eating, dressing, bathing, transferring, toileting, and mobility. When a person is unable to perform one or more of these basic activities, he or she will generally require daily support from a caregiver to live in the community. Instrumental ADLs include housework, cooking, shopping, management of finances, use of the telephone, and transporting oneself outside the home. When a person is unable to perform one or more instrumental ADLs, he or...
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Wolf DA, Hunt K, Knickman J (2005) Perspectives on the recent decline in disability at older ages. Milbank Q 83(3):365–395
World Health Organization (2001) International classification of functioning, disability, and health. World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Murray, P.K. (2008). Activities of Daily Living. In: Loue, S.J., Sajatovic, M. (eds) Encyclopedia of Aging and Public Health. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-33754-8_8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-33754-8_8
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
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