Which of the following is a characteristic of instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs)?

Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are defined as tasks that are more complex than basic daily self-care activities, known as activities of daily living (ADLs). One of the critical characteristics of IADLs is that they require cognitive competence. This is because IADLs often involve organizational and decision-making skills, which are necessary for managing tasks such as budgeting, meal preparation, managing medications, transportation, and using communication devices.

Cognitive competence is essential for performing these activities effectively. For example, planning a nutritious shopping list or remembering when to take medications involves memory, problem-solving, and judgment, which go beyond the basic physical tasks associated with personal hygiene or self-care.

The other options refer to activities or notions that do not adequately capture the essence of IADLs. Basic personal hygiene is related to ADLs rather than IADLs, which focuses on more complex tasks. IADLs are not exclusive to the elderly population; they can also be relevant for individuals with disabilities or other health conditions. Lastly, while sleeping and eating are vital for daily living, they primarily fall under ADLs rather than IADLs. Thus, the requirement for cognitive competence is what distinctly characterizes IADLs.