In the context of functional status, what do ADLs refer to?

Activities of daily living (ADLs) refer to the essential tasks that individuals need to perform daily to maintain personal care and well-being. These activities include basic self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and transferring (moving from one position to another, like getting out of bed). Assessing a person's ability to perform ADLs is crucial in gerontology as it helps healthcare providers determine an individual’s level of independence and the types of support they may need. In the context of aging, understanding and evaluating ADLs can lead to better care planning and improved quality of life for older adults.

The other options do not relate to the concept of functional status in a healthcare or gerontological context. Advanced driver licenses and assisted driving lessons pertain to driving qualifications but do not address daily living tasks. Accidental drug losses do not connect to personal care and are unrelated to individuals' functional abilities in daily life.