What term encompasses the activities individuals participate in daily to meet their basic needs?

The term that encompasses the activities individuals participate in daily to meet their basic needs is "Activities of Daily Living" (ADLs). This concept is crucial in the context of health care and rehabilitation as it refers to the routine tasks that people typically perform in their everyday lives. ADLs include fundamental actions such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and transferring, which are essential for maintaining personal independence and quality of life.

In physical therapy, assessing a patient's ability to perform ADLs is vital for developing an effective treatment plan. It helps therapists understand a patient's functional capabilities and limitations, guiding interventions to enhance independence and support recovery. Recognizing the importance of ADLs also emphasizes the holistic approach of physical therapy, which focuses not just on physical rehabilitation but also on improving overall well-being and daily functioning.