Improving lighting and reducing fall risks at home

Why Lighting Is Important

To help reduce falling and injuries.

Falls are a major safety concern, especially for older adults. They are a leading cause of injury among older people.

Fall prevention involves a multifaceted approach, including assessing and improving lighting, removing hazards, installing safety features, and maintaining physical health.

What Is Happening That Makes Older Adults Require More Light?

Our eyes change as we grow older. On average, a 60-year-old needs 3 times more light to read than a 20-year-old.

The need for increased illumination continues to grow in the 70s and 80s, potentially requiring 4-6 times more light than a young adult for various tasks.

Lens and Retinal Changes:

The lens inside the eye thickens and becomes less transparent over time, which reduces the amount of light reaching the retina. Additionally, the lens accumulates yellow pigments, which selectively absorb more blue light, making it harder to see in low-light conditions and to distinguish between certain colors.

Cataracts: a very common age-related condition further clouds the lens.

Reduced Pupil Size:

The muscles that control the pupil weaken with age, leading to a smaller pupil size. This reduction in pupil size means less light enters the eye, which is particularly problematic in low-light conditions.

Slower Adaptation:

Older eyes take longer to adjust to changes in light levels, such as moving from a bright environment to a dim one. This slower adaptation can increase the risk of falls and accidents in poorly lit areas.

All of this means that part of an aging in place assessment and modification process, the issues of lighting should be addressed in order to...

How To Address Lighting Issues For Aging In Place

1) Increase the amount of ambient lighting.

Ambient lighting, also known as general lighting, provides overall illumination for a room or space. It's the primary source of light in a room.

LED Bulbs with a color temperature of around 2700K (Kelvins) to 3000K, which offer a warm, daylight-like feel that is comfortable for the eyes and enhances visibility.

Recessed ceiling lights are the best to provide the kind of widespread illumination that is needed in a room.

Additionally, wall sconces are a great way to add even more lighting to specific areas throughout the house.

2) Increase task lighting.

Task lighting is focused, directional lighting that illuminates specific areas where activities are performed.

Everything from under cabinet lights to reading overhead lights, and lights on stairways and hallways are all considered task lighting.

Don't forget outdoor lighting as well.

3) Reduce glare by using anti-glare LED lights or other types of bulbs that can help to reduce glare.

4) Pay attention to contrast.

Although not a “lighting” issue I think contrast is a very important factor to incorporate when modifying a home for aging in place.

a) Use contrasting colors for walls, floors, and furniture:

b) Install toilet seats in a color

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