Daily Living Skills and Functional Ability in Aging

Introduction

Functional ability is a critical aspect of maintaining independence and quality of life, particularly as we age. It encompasses the ability to perform daily living skills (DLs) independently and without undue pain and fatigue. In this article, we will explore the relationship between functional ability, physical fitness, and cognitive performance, with a focus on daily living skills.

Daily Living Skills

Daily living skills, also known as activities of daily living (ADLs), are essential for independent living. They include basic tasks such as feeding, bathing, grooming, dressing, bowel and bladder control, and toilet use. Additionally, they involve more complex tasks related to independent living in the community, such as managing finances and medications, food preparation, housekeeping, and laundry. Basic ADLs are generally categorized separately from instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).

Basic ADLs

Basic ADLs are often termed physical ADLs or basic ADLs. They include the following categories:

• Ambulating: The extent of an individual's ability to move from one position to another and walk independently.
• Feeding: The ability of a person to feed oneself.
• Dressing: The ability to select appropriate clothes and to put the clothes on.
• Personal hygiene: The ability to bathe and groom oneself and maintain dental hygiene, nail, and hair care.
• Continence: The ability to control bladder and bowel function.
• Toileting: The ability to get to and from the toilet, use it appropriately, and clean oneself.

Instrumental ADLs

Instrumental ADLs, also known as IADLs, are more complex tasks that require organizational skills. They include:

• Transportation and shopping: Ability to procure groceries, attend events, and manage transportation, either via driving or by organizing other means of transport.
• Managing finances: This includes the ability to pay bills and manage financial assets.
• Shopping and meal preparation: Everything required to get a meal on the table. It also covers shopping for clothing and other items required for daily life.
• Housecleaning and home maintenance: Cleaning kitchens after eating, maintaining living areas reasonably clean and tidy, and keeping up with home maintenance.
• Managing communication with others: The ability to manage telephone and mail.
• Managing medications: The ability to manage medications, including tracking medication schedules, understanding medication instructions, and administering medication.

Physical and Functional Fitness

Functional ability is closely linked to physical and functional fitness. Declines in strength and aerobic capacity can lead to decreased functional ability and increased need for assistance with ADLs. This, in turn, can lead to a decline in physical power, eventually leading to disability. A decrease in muscle size and strength, both of which influence power, could impact negatively on performance of regular daily activities.

Cognitive Performance and Functional Ability

A decline in cognitive function can also impact daily living skills. For example, slower mobility has been associated with reduced mental speed. A study by Voelcker-Rahage et al. investigated the relationship between physical and motor fitness and cognitive performance. The researchers reported that cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength were both positively associated with cognitive performance in German older adults.

Conclusion

In conclusion, functional ability is a critical aspect of maintaining independence and quality of life, particularly as we age. Daily living skills play a significant role in this, and maintaining physical and functional fitness is essential for optimal performance of these skills. A decline in cognitive function can also impact daily living skills. As the population ages, the prevention of disability and maintenance of functional ability is becoming more important.