Disabilities and the level of affected activities of daily living

Definition and magnitude of the disability problem and the level of affected activities in daily living (ADL) are discussed on the basis of findings from several epidemiological studies. Prevalence of various disabilities for ADL and functional ability level by age and sex in the light of various aspects of health and satisfaction with life are summarised. Such disabilities have an important effect on consequences in daily living and might or might not be associated with loss of autonomy and with further development of dependency in the process of ageing. Inter-relation of various conditions of health and activities of daily living in the light of several coping abilities which compensate various disabilities on the individual level, are underlined.