Activities of Daily Living (ADL) is a more restrictive TPD definition than 'any occupation' and is sometimes the only definition available — particularly for non-working applicants (such as homemakers), older policyholders, certain heavy-manual occupations, or after a benefit period restriction kicks in. Under an ADL definition, you must be unable to perform without assistance two or more of a defined list of activities — typically dressing, bathing, eating, mobility (walking from one room to another), continence, and transferring (moving from a bed to a chair). The disability must be permanent. ADL definitions are significantly harder to satisfy than 'own occupation' or 'any occupation' tests because they require very severe physical impairment — many people who cannot work, but can still wash and dress themselves, would not qualify. Some policies use a similar definition called 'cognitive loss' alongside ADL, requiring permanent loss of capacity to perform mental tasks. When comparing TPD policies, check the definition that applies to you specifically — under some panel insurers, ADL applies after age 65 or for certain occupation categories, and is the only definition available for non-working spouses. If your role would otherwise meet 'own occupation' or 'any occupation' tests, do not assume those continue indefinitely — review the definition wording in the PDS carefully.