Preventing Falls: Natural Light and the Elderly

As people age, falling can become a very serious health issue. One of the leading causes of falling is insufficient light in the environment. Since aging eyes require a lot more light in order to see, standard lighting often becomes inadequate lighting. Artificial light also tends to be glaring, which hurts aging eyes. When natural light is introduced into a living environment, the non-glare light can create a space with less light/shadow patterning that is often found with artificial light. It is this patterned light that can confuse the aging eye, often resulting in a stumble and fall. The National Safety Council contends that falling accidents are the leading cause of injury-related death for people 75 years and older.

Quality light and a quality life seem to go hand in hand. When older people live in an environment filled with non-glare natural light, they not only negotiate the terrain more confidently, but they also tend to be less depressed, more social, less anxious, have a better appetite and even sleep better! All these factors add up to a much healthier and happier life, especially for people who are confined to an indoor environment. We understand the concern for your loved ones with mobility issues and how better lighting can help keep them safer in their home.