Activities of daily living (ADLs)　encompass the broad spectrum of actions that humans undertake to grow, develop, and participate in social activities. These behaviors are interlinked and possess individual characteristics, spanning aspects related to life maintenance, human maturation, and social relationship formation and development.

Synonyms for ADLs include activities parallel to daily living (APDLs) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), which refer to associated activities such as household chores, shopping, and utilizing public services. Initially rooted in rehabilitation medicine, ADLs were defined by the Japanese Society of Rehabilitation Medicine in 1976 as a series of common physical movements performed daily by all individuals. These activities include eating, toileting, grooming, dressing, bathing, and mobility. While “ADLs” primarily denote physical movements, they also encompass aspects related to human maturation and social relationship development, representing a broader perspective that includes actions shaping an individual’s character.

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