E. Major Concepts in ALs Theory

• Three major concepts of model are ALs, lifespan, and dependence/independence continuum.

• Factors influencing ALs are biological, psychological, sociocultural, environmental, and politico-economic.

• Humans and nurses are referred as person (McEwen & Wills, 2011).

• Model is based on nursing theory which includes assessing, diagnosing, treating, and evaluating

1. Activities of Living (ALs)

There are 12 activities, some of which are essential such as breathing and others that which enhance the quality of life (McEwen & Wills, 2011).

1.    Maintaining a safe environment

2.    Communication

3.    Breathing

4.    Eating and drinking

5.    Elimination

6.    Washing and dressing

7.    Controlling temperature

8.    Mobilization

9.    Working and playing

10.  Expressing sexuality

11.  Sleeping

12.  Death and dying

Factors Influencing Activities of Living

• Biological
• Psychological
• Sociocultural
• Environmental
• Politico-economic (McEwen & Wills, 2011)

Major Relationships Between Concepts in Theory

Graphic Depiction of ALs Theory

2. Life span continuum

• The model also incorporates a life span continuum, where the individual passes from fully dependent at birth, to fully independent in the midlife, and returns to fully dependent in their old age/after death. Some researchers argue that the life span continuum begins at conception, others that it begins at birth

• Roper et.al. 1996 p.23, As a person moves along the lifespan there is a continuous change and every aspect of living is influenced by the biological, psychological, socio-cultural, environmental and politico-economic circumstances encountered throughout life. 5 stages of life:

1 .Infancy

2. Childhood

3. Adolescence

4. Adulthood

5. Old age

 3.  Dependence / Independence

This component of the model is closely related to the lifespan and to the ALs. It is included to acknowledge that there are stages of the lifespan when a person cannot yet ( or for various reasons can no longer ) perform certain ALs independently. Each person could be said to have a dependence/independence continuum for each AL.