Designing a Sustainable Lighting Solution for Older Adults in a Continuing Care Retirement Center

Abstract

This study explores the sustainable lighting suited for older adults and proposed an interior lighting solution for the six public spaces in a Continuing Retirement Center (CCRC). The research includes five stages of the process for the lighting design based on Wellness and Evidence Based Design frameworks. In the programming stage, a preliminary case study measured the existing light levels at a CCRC site; in a follow-up field study interior lighting fixtures' information was collected in selected public spaces; and in a survey of older adults (n=55), participants were asked to evaluate the quantity and quality of existing lighting in six public interior rooms at a CCRC. The design decisions, under schematic stage and design development stage, were based on the field studies and survey results, which was refined after evaluation by a focus group of exerts in the area of older adults and older adult living. Survey results varied but indicated participants' high satisfaction levels with the inadequate light levels in some areas. Participants' familiarity with their environment and the fact that their other needs were met may contribute to these responses. However, responses related to the quantity of interior lighting showed results consistent with the light level measurements from the field study. The proposed design supports the wellness of older adult residents through the use of lights with even uniformity, glare reduction, and which were dimmable. The proposed lighting solution supports not only energy savings and environmental friendliness, but also the special lighting considerations regarding residents' health, which also has the potential to greatly improve the quality of life enjoyed by these individuals. This project represents a progressive design, because of its inclusion of resident surveys regarding interior public lighting and the incorporation of design features intended to reflect the results of the survey.