Development and Validation of a Performance-Based Test to Assess Instrumental Activities of Daily Living in Spanish Older Adults

A key feature of the autonomy and quality of life of the elderly is their ability to perform instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). When older people have difficulty in performing IADLs, many of their social and community activities may be affected, leading to their progressive isolation from society. This study describes the development and validation of a test that assesses six areas of daily functioning in the elderly: use of medication and healthcare management, administrative, financial management, transportation, meal preparation, and shopping. The study evaluated 164 healthy individuals without cognitive impairment using an extensive cognitive battery. The construct validity and reliability of test were examined. Findings revealed a good internal consistency and high inter-rater and test-retest reliability. As for construct validity, the instrument tasks were grouped into two dimensions, based on the cognitive components involved in each task: fluid and episodic memory tasks and crystallized tasks. The developed instrument may be useful for evaluating IADLs in those elderly who live at home and are somewhat dependent.