Massachusetts Health & Accident Insurance Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT considered an Activity of Daily Living (ADL)?

1. Transferring

2. Eating

3. Shopping

4. Dressing

The correct answer is: Shopping

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) refer to the basic tasks essential for self-care and everyday living. They typically include functions that are necessary for personal grooming and hygiene, mobility, and self-feeding. Eating, dressing, and transferring are all fundamental ADLs. Transferring involves moving from one position to another, such as getting in and out of bed or a chair, which is crucial for independence. Dressing pertains to the ability to put on and take off clothing, another essential self-care activity. Eating involves consuming food and liquids, a critical action for maintaining health and nutrition. Shopping, on the other hand, is not categorized as an ADL. While it is an important activity related to overall self-sufficiency, it does not fall within the scope of basic self-care functions. Instead, it is considered an Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL), which encompasses tasks necessary for independent living but are more complex than basic self-care activities. IADLs include activities like managing finances, preparing meals, doing laundry, and shopping, which require higher cognitive abilities and planning.