ABSTRACT
Older adults’ maintenance of independence is closely associated with their ability to perform critical tasks of daily living. Competence in seven domains commonly referred to as instrumental tasks of daily living (i.e., taking medications, telephone use, preparing meals, managing finances, shopping, using transportation, and house-keeping [IADLs; Lawton & Brody, 1969]) have been found to be necessary for an independent lifestyle. This chapter addresses issues related to the cognitive demands involved in carrying out instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) with particular attention to two domains-taking medications and meal preparation. Three broad questions are considered: What health outcomes have been found to be associated with cognitively demanding activities of daily living? What specific components or tasks related to taking medications and meal preparation have been found to be problematic for older adults? What particular cognitive abilities and processes have been reported to be associated with these health behaviors?
