Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
Vol. 42 No. 7 July 2004
By Eunice Noell-Waggoner, LC
EXCERPT
Having sufficient light, both from daylight and electric light, is something young, active adults often take for granted. However, the same is not true for most older adults (Campbell, Kripke, Gillin, & Hrubovcak, 1988), especially those who live in nursing homes (Ancoli-Israel et al., 1997), for two reasons: agerelated changes to the eyes and less light exposure due to reduced mobility. According to Sorensen and Brunnstrom (1995), when light levels are increased and glare is avoided, older adults’ quality of life was improved in the following ways:
- The individuals were able to function on their own.
- They could again engage in lifelong activities they had had to give up.
- They experienced greater self-confidence.
AUTHOR
Ms. Noell-Waggoner is President, Center of Design for an Aging Society, Portland, Oregon.
Ms. Noell-Waggoner is lighting certified (LC) by the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions.
Address correspondence to Eunice Noell-Waggoner, LC, President, Center of Design for an Aging Society, 9027 NW Bartholomew Drive, Portland, OR 97229; e-mail: eunice@centerofdesign.org.
