activities of daily living

Definition of activities of daily living
National Cancer Institute

activities of daily living

(ak-TIH-vih-teez…DAY-lee LIH-ving)
The tasks of everyday life. These activities include eating, dressing, getting into or out of a bed or chair, taking a bath or shower, and using the toilet. Instrumental activities of daily living are activities related to independent living and include preparing meals, managing money, shopping, doing housework, and using a telephone. Also called ADL.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms