Contributed by Kent Elliot, (AtHomeAging.info), edited by Peggy Golden, ASID

For many seniors, finding a way to age in place safely and comfortably is extremely important. Being able to stay in your own home as long as possible for those who have lived in the same place for years, represents independence and the ability to have control over their future. While many things contribute to a senior’s ability to age in place, one of the most important items is good lighting. Not only does lighting assist with daily activities such as cooking and reading, it can have an effect on mood and mental health especially those with vision impairments stay safe.

Even if you feel that the lighting in your home is adequate, take a fresh look at each room and decide whether you could make improvements. Think about your present and future needs if you have health or mobility issues; will you be able to get around your home safely with the current lighting? Is there a potential for falls, tripping hazards, sharp corners or other injuries? Keep reading for tips on how to safely age in place with the better lighting for your needs.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Today’s technological advances make it easier to find a way to keep your home well-lit with little effort. New light fixtures are available on timers, solar powered, motion activated and controllable with new phone apps allowing for remote control on/off and dim capabilities even if you are not home. There are several ways you can use technology to your advantage — often from the comfort of your bed or chair.

“Electronically controllable thermostats, lighting, motion sensors, smart doorbells — are all technologies that have been bundled into the concept of smart homes,” says tech industry veteran Laurie Orlov. “You can see how they would be useful in helping people remain in their homes even as they felt less safe in the neighborhood or weren’t good at thermostat management or were at risk of falling in their own homes and being left alone.”

Change Out Your Light Bulbs

The kind of light bulbs you use in your home will impact the quality and amount of light the fixture provides, and newer LED bulbs assist with lower utility bills. LED lights whether LED integrated ceiling down-lights fixtures, LED integrated desk lamps or LED replacement light bulbs and down-light trim kits are popular given their longevity and money-saving attributes. With a little research and trial and error you can find new LED bulbs and/or motion sensitive fixtures that will optimize dark areas allowing better eyesight and work nicely with your decor.  Recommended quality LED bulbs for residential use will have a Kelvin range 2700K – 3000K and a Color Rendering Index of 90+CRI (although anything over 85CRI is fine).  The Kelvin number expresses the warmth or coolness of the lamp wi the typical incandescent bulb that homeowners are used falling between 2700-2850K range.  A 3000K range bulb is a slightly brighter white color and with older seniors eyesight which tends to cast a yellowing effect on all colors may be a better option. The Color Rendering Index reflects the quality of the LED diodes to maintain the consistent level of light and Kelvin range over the life span of the bulb.

Add Lighting to Dim Spaces

Especially in an older homes, it’s important to add lighting to areas that don’t get much sun during the day. Stairs, closets, pantries, basements and darker corners of your home not near a window with natural light will benefit with added lighting. Basement stairways are greatly improved with inexpensive double stick motion sensitive step lights that turn on as they sense the vibration clearly identifying the step edge for safe footing.  Adding a small motion sensitive lamp will banish shadows from dark in-frequented spaces within the home.

Don’t Forget About Task Lighting

Many homeowners place light fixtures where they spend the most time, such as in the living room or bedroom while other areas require specific spot light fixtures or task lighting. Task lighting is used to highlight work areas, ie: kitchen counters, work benches, and at the bathroom sink or vanity lighting so the homeowner will clearly see as they chop veggies for dinner or brush their teeth and daily cleaning tasks.

Good lighting prevents accidents and unfortunate falls, making your home a safer place and will assist with concentrated activities such as reading, crochet/knitting or puzzles. Safety is important especially in older homes and if something needs to be rewired, call in a pro. Never try to handle electrical work on your own unless quite familiar with wiring and electrical requirements.