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Table 1 Definition of disability by severity

From: The effect of smoking on the duration of life with and without disability, Belgium 1997–2011

  

Mild disability

Severe disability

Activity of Daily Living (ADL)

Transfer in and out bed

Ability to do the task on his/her own with difficulties

Only able to do the task with personal assistance

Transfer in and out chair

Dressing

Washing of hands and face

Feeding

Going to the toilet

Mobility

 

Ability to walk less than 200 metres without stopping

Ability to walk only a few steps or less without stopping

Continence

 

Loss of bladder control less than once a month

Loss of bladder control at least once a month

Sensorial functions

Vision

Inability, even with glasses, to recognise a friend at a distance of 4 metres

Inability, even with glasses, to recognise a friend at a distance of 1 metre

Hearing

Inability, even with a hearing aid, to follow a TV program at a volume others find acceptable

Inability, even with a hearing aid, to follow a TV program at a volume others find unacceptable