Activities of daily living include which of the following?

Activities of daily living (ADLs) refer to the basic tasks that are essential for self-care and daily functioning. Bathing and dressing are prime examples of these fundamental activities. They encompass personal hygiene and the ability to put on and take off clothing, which are critical for maintaining personal health and dignity.

Understanding ADLs is important in assessing a person’s ability to live independently. When individuals require assistance with these basic tasks, it may indicate a need for additional care or support services. Bathing and dressing are straightforward, necessary actions that directly relate to personal care, making them a clear fit for this category. On the other hand, activities like shopping, cooking, communicating, socializing, traveling, and working are not classified as ADLs; instead, they fall under instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) or other areas of functioning that are important for overall quality of life but are less fundamental than self-care tasks.