What are the basic activities a person performs daily, like eating and bathing, called?

The term that describes the basic activities a person performs daily, such as eating, bathing, dressing, and toileting, is known as "activities of daily living" (ADLs). These fundamental tasks are essential for maintaining personal hygiene and overall health, and they represent the basic level of care necessary for individuals, especially those who may have limitations due to illness or aging.

Understanding this concept is critical in various fields, including nursing, geriatrics, and rehabilitation, as it provides a framework for assessing a person's ability to live independently and their needs for assistance. While life skills refer more broadly to the abilities needed for daily living, they encompass a wider range of skills that extend beyond the basic personal care activities. Instrumental activities, on the other hand, typically refer to more complex tasks needed for independent living, such as managing finances or preparing meals. Functional tasks may be a more general term but do not specifically highlight the personal care aspect as effectively as "activities of daily living." Therefore, "activities of daily living" is the most accurate choice for describing the essential daily activities related to an individual's personal care.