Elutegevus

Elutegevus is a term used in Estonian to describe the activities that constitute daily life and participation in everyday life. It refers to tasks and actions that people perform to live independently, maintain health, and engage in social life.

The concept is most frequently discussed in the fields of gerontology, rehabilitation, and social care. In practice, elutegevus is often considered in two broad groups: basic activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. Basic elutegevus includes essential personal care and mobility, such as washing, dressing, eating, toileting, and moving around. Instrumental elutegevus encompasses more complex tasks required for independent living, such as meal planning and preparation, housework, managing finances, using transportation, and maintaining communication. Depending on the context, safety tasks and the ability to participate in social activities may also be included.

Purpose and use: elutegevus is used to assess an individual’s functioning and independence, to determine care needs, and to plan appropriate support services or rehabilitation programs. It serves as a functional indicator in health care, social welfare, and disability services, helping professionals tailor assistance and monitor change over time.

Relation to other concepts: the term corresponds to international concepts of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). While elutegevus is a broad, non-technical umbrella term, it is often operationalized in clinical and welfare settings through standardized assessment tools and care plans.

Etymology: the word combines elu (life) with tegevus (activity), reflecting its focus on actions essential to living and participating in life.