Lighting the Way: A Key to Independence
By Figueiro, Mariana Gross; AARP (American Association of Retired Persons)(Pages: 28) Publication Date: 2001
Pamphlet answers common questions about vision and lighting posed by older adults, and offers practical solutions to help them, their families, and their caregivers to light their home for vision ease and comfort. General recommendations include lighting that is high, glare-free, uniform, and color enhancing. The use of task lights, fixtures designed to direct light to a small area, is recommended for viewing small details. Specific advice is given for (1) selecting lights such as fluorescent bulbs and tubes; (2) choosing and arranging illumination for seeing oneself in the mirror and for viewing television and computer screens; and (3) finding one’s way safely at night with the help of a flashlight, automatic low-level night lights, and light switches with toggles that glow in the dark, as well as downward-aimed porch lights for reduced glare. Tips are also offered for lighting each room of a home, such as wall-mounted strip lights for the living area, a dimmer for the dining-room light, under-cabinet fluorescent lighting fixtures for the kitchen, a light that can be switched from the bed for the bedroom, and a shower light for the bathroom. A resource list of fixture and bulb manufacturers, websites of organizations providing lighting information, and a bibliography for further reading are appended.
Published by:
AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) (Website:http://www.aarp.org)
Link to text: http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/lightHealth/AARP/pdf/AARPbook1.pdf
