OCTober 9, 2000

Did You Know?
Bright Light Good for Elders

Recent research suggests that better lighting in the homes of the elderly and in nursing homes can result in happier, healthier residents. Eyesight declines dramatically between the ages of 20 and 60. "Aging lenses grow thicker, more opaque, and increasingly specked with protein deposits or other debris," affecting the ability to distinguish contrast and brightness. This is one major reason why seniors often do not drive at night and why falls often occur. 

Also, light helps regulate the body’s internal clock and stimulates the production of melatonin. Some studies have shown that in nursing homes where residents are light-deprived, they wake up and fall back asleep as many as 37 times a night. And they often suffer from depression.

With this information in hand, a senior housing project in Albany, NY is conducting an experiment in brightness. At South Mall Towers—with two twin 10-story buildings—each building’s common area has electric skylights that mimic sunlight for those who rise before dawn. "Corridor ceiling lights are set off-center and diffused by louvers to eliminate shadows that to some older eyes appear like water puddles." 

The residents clearly approve, and the expense is not as high as one might expect. South Mall Towers keeps the energy cost down with dimmers and light sensors.