What is a key feature of instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs)?

Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) refer to more complex tasks that are essential for maintaining an independent lifestyle but do not involve basic self-care. These tasks typically include managing finances, handling transportation, shopping for groceries, preparing meals, using the telephone, and performing household chores.

Choosing household chores as a key feature of IADLs highlights the requirement for cognitive ability and organizational skills, as these activities often involve planning and multiple steps. Unlike basic activities of daily living (ADLs) such as self-feeding, personal hygiene, and mobility, which are fundamental for basic human functioning, IADLs are more about achieving a higher level of independence and managing life in a community setting. Thus, household chores serve as a quintessential example of IADLs, emphasizing the distinction between basic self-care and the broader scope of living independently.