The field representative's manual states that "Daily activities may include work, housework if you are a homemaker, going to and attending classes if you are a student, and what you normally do throughout a typical day if you are retired or unemployed."

The 2000 field representative's manual states that "Among the answer categories: "Or LIE DOWN" is intended only for a bedridden respondent who is unable to sit up. This parenthetical response should not be read to most respondents. If, the respondent is bedridden and unable to sit up, then include the parenthetical expression "lie down" in the "SIT" category. If the respondent is NOT bedridden, then do NOT include the parenthetical expression "lie down" in the "SIT" category. If the respondent indicates that the amount of movement varies, then probe "Please pick the category that describes what you do most of the time."

The 2005 field representative's manual states that MOVEDAILY "Refers to which best describes your usual daily activities related to moving around. If the respondent is bedridden, enter '1' at this field".