Lighting and the elderly

Abstract

Good lighting is perhaps the most important, and least understood, design element required to provide supportive environments for all older adults. It is essential to maximize independence (abilities), quality of life, health, wellness and safety. It is critical that homes and public buildings, especially hospitality, medical, and care facilities address not only the impact of normal age-related changes to vision, but also plus the added disability of eye diseases for some, and the important role that light and the visual environment plays in the lives of older people. As people age, they become more dependent on their environment to compensate for their sensory loss, increasing frailty and reduced mobility. The special lighting needs for older adults are not limited to vision, but also include the biological effects of light on personal health. The non-visual or photobiological effects of light include both light entering the eyes, which impacts circadian rhythm (sleep/wake cycle), and light falling on the skin (vitamin D synthesis so that calcium can be absorbed by bones and tissue). Because of the dramatic growth of the 65+ population, we all need to understand the needs of older adults and provide environments designed to meet their (our) needs.