Vitamin Information Center

Activities of Daily Living
Definition
Activities of daily living (ADLs) are the most basic and
fundamental functions of self-care, and they are used
to describe the functional status or  functional ability
of a person, usually with reference to older people
or people needing long-term care. There are several
dimensions of ADLs and people are classified as
independent or dependent on each of them. These functions
are bathing, dressing, using the toilet, transferring
in and out of beds or chairs, continence, and eating. As
continence is more indicative of a physiological state
than a function, it is often removed from the ADL measures.
Another term, “instrumental activities of daily
living” (IADLs), describes activities that are not necessary
for fundamental functioning but needed for independence
in the respective environment or community.
This includes activities like cooking, cleaning, laundry,
shopping, making and receiving telephone calls, driving
or using public transportation, and taking medicines

Activities of Daily Living
Definition
Activities of daily living (ADLs) are the most basic and fundamental functions of self-care, and they are used to describe the functional status or ► functional ability of a person, usually with reference to older people or people needing long-term care. There are several dimensions of ADLs and people are classified as independent or dependent on each of them. These functions are bathing, dressing, using the toilet, transferring in and out of beds or chairs, continence, and eating. As continence is more indicative of a physiological state than a function, it is often removed from the ADL measures. Another term, “instrumental activities of daily living” (IADLs), describes activities that are not necessary for fundamental functioning but needed for independence in the respective environment or community. This includes activities like cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, making and receiving telephone calls, driving or using public transportation, and taking medicines.

Many people always put all their efforts in maintaining the youthful appearance and texture of the skin on the face and neck because these areas are prone to premature aging. Besides, the neck and face are usually exposed to environmental toxins, harmful sunrays, makeup and grime.

However, there is also another part of the body that shows the telltale signs of aging but is not getting the attention it needs. This part is the hand, which incidentally is one (or two) of the most abused parts of the body. As a person gets older, the skin on both hands becomes a bit more flaky and thin because the connective and fat tissues in the area are lost or damaged. As a result, the hands look more transparent.

Using a pair of gloves may help prevent other people from seeing your aging hands, but this is not a very good idea during the summer. Instead of thinking of ways to hide your hands, you should probably start finding treatments and developing habits that can help alleviate the signs of aging. If you don’t have any idea on what to do, just check the pointers below.

Get Into The Habit Of Wearing Rubber Gloves

Many people do not use rubber gloves when using cleaning materials and detergents. Unfortunately, the ingredients of such products can be harmful to the hands. In fact, they can strip the skin of moisture. So the next time you wash the dishes, clean your bathroom and do your laundry, you must use rubber gloves.

If your work requires you to hold chemicals, paints and other things that are harsh on your skin, you also need to remember to wear hand protection. If you go outside during the winter season, you also need to wear your gloves. The cold and wintry wind will cause your hands to dry and get chapped if not protected.

Don’t Forget Your Hand Lotion

Washing your hands before eating and after using the toilet is necessary to prevent the spread of diseases and ingesting microbes. However, the components of most hand soaps can dry the skin of your hands. Remember that dryness and lack of moisture can bring about premature wrinkles and fine lines. Thus, you need to use lotion after washing your hands. Just make sure that the lotion you choose contains natural ingredients, such as vitamins E, B3 or B5. Almond oils, Aloe Vera and milk compounds also help smoothen rough skin.

Screen From The Sun

You probably use sunscreen protection to prevent your face, eyes, neck, and nape from getting sunburned. However, these parts are not the only ones exposed to sunlight. Your hands also need protection from the sun. If you do not want to look old prematurely, don’t get stingy with your use of sunscreen lotion.

Mind Your Nails

Since fingernails are a part of your hands, you also need to take care of them. Every time you wash or soak your hands in water, your nails and cuticles become weaker and more brittle.

The first thing you need to do to protect your nails is by trying not to soak your hands in water for a prolonged time. Using a special nail and cuticle cream or oil after you take a bath or shower can also strengthen your nails.

Lastly, it is always best to immediately treat nail problems and infections. For example, if you see that one of your nails is suffering from nail fungus, you better start applying anti-fungal medication. One anti-fungal system that is effective in blasting away nail fungus is Somasin. For more details, just go to http://www.somasin.com/.