Guide to Better Home Lighting for the Aging Eye
The older we get the more important it becomes to keep our living spaces well-lit for comfort and safety. This doesn’t mean you have to have every room brightly lit all the time, rather that it’s wise to make some thoughtful adjustments. Put simply: tailoring your lighting to your needs improves your home’s functionality and aesthetics.
Our Tips for Improving Your Lighting as You Age
Layered Lighting
Combine accent, task, and ambient lighting to achieve a layered effect. This gives you the flexibility to adjust lighting levels in several different combinations. This is especially good for multi-purpose rooms like living and entertainment areas. Have the right lighting for game night or movie night without having to switch rooms.
Utilize Natural Light
The best quality of light that exists is natural light. If you can maximize the natural light in your home you can minimize the strain on your eyes. If you have direct exposure you can diffuse sunlight with sheer, light colored window treatments. Exposure to natural light improves mood and gives you some much needed vitamin D to boot.
Upgrade to LED
LED lighting is more energy-efficient than incandescent. Bulbs last significantly longer and put off almost no heat at all. Look for LED bulbs that will allow you to adjust them to different color temperatures. The closer you can get to natural daylight the more you can reduce eyestrain. Just make sure to get LEDs and not CFC (compact fluorescents).
Try Task Lighting
Dedicated task lighting in areas where you read, craft, or cook gives you extra brightness focused on a small space. Task lighting should be adjustable – such as a lamp or sconce with an adjustable arm. In the kitchen under-cabinet lights provide extra light without taking up any space at all.
Add Dimmer Switches
Make your overhead lighting more customizable by installing dimmer switches. Being able to control the intensity of overhead lighting allows you to easily adjust depending on the time of day or task at hand.
Switch to Smart Lighting
Making the switch to smart lighting solutions doesn’t have to be done all at once. You can start simple by adding smart bulbs to a few lamps. You’ll be able to control them with an app on your phone from anywhere. If you have a smart home device such as Amazon’s Alexa you can also control them with voice commands. You’ll be able to adjust the brightness and quality of light as well making smart lighting the most versatile out there.
Motion Sensors for Indoors and Outdoors
Outdoor motion lights in driveways, at entries, and illuminating pathways is good for safety and security. It also adds some great aesthetics to your home. The same concept works well inside in hallways and bathrooms as well. Small motion lights placed low give you a well-lit late night path that’s easy on your eyes.
Golden Home Management is here to help you make your home perfect for aging in place. Whether it’s making adjustments to your lighting or regular home maintenance, our monthly subscription takes the pressure off of you. Monthly handyman visits are included with your plan to make keeping on top of the little things effortless and quarterbacking the big stuff when it comes up. Give us a call, let’s talk about how we can help you.