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Check out more fundamentals
of good lighting design at
ALALighting.com
TECH TALK
Eventually, we’ll need to adjust our home’s lighting to
accommodate reduced eyesight. ALA showrooms can off er
products and strategies to reduce the hazards of aging eyes.
MORE LIGHT By age 60, eyes need three times more
light to see as they did at age 20. THE FIX: Add more light
sources, especially in work areas. Include dimmers so the
light can be balanced for the eyes as well as the task.
SOFTER COLORS Eye lenses yellow with age. This
dulls colors, reduces contrast, and makes it diffi cult to see
diff erences in shades of blue and green. THE FIX: Choose
lights in the cooler temperature range of 3000–
degrees Kelvin (check the package) or smart LED bulbs that
can be adjusted from warm to cool.
Vision Quest
Eyes weaken with age. After age 40,
most of us will notice vision changes.
REDUCED GLARE Older
eyes are more sensitive to glare,
which can be painful.
THE FIX: Diff use lights with
dimmers, fabric shades, or etched
glass. Better yet, keep lights out of
your line of sight by hiding them in
cove molding or under cabinets. Or
choose fi xtures that push light up.
STAIR CARE Falls are the leading
cause of death and injuries for
people older than 65, and stairwells
are one of the most problematic
areas. THE FIX: Use step lights to
illuminate the walkway, install light
switches at the top and bottom of
the stairwell, and switch to motion-
sensing lights to automatically shine
light on dim stairs.
LOW-TOUCH Arthritis aff ects
about half of all older adults, which
can make it diffi cult to turn lights
on and off. THE FIX: Switch to
motion- or touch-activated lights.
TAP IT Adjust
light levels with
the tap of a
dimmer. SofTap,
Legrand
REDUCE GLARE
Choose remote-
controlled or
smart shades
to adjust light
levels easily.
Serena, Lutron
Electronics
LAYER LIGHTS
Combine overall,
task, and accent
lights to ease
the strain on
eyes. Ellyn,
Golden Lighting
THE LATEST IN
HEALTHY LIGHTING
LEAD THE WAY
Set step lights
to ensure safe
stairways. Ibis,
ELCO Lighting
16 Lighting 2019
