Lighting Tips

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(ARA) - For many older adults or anyone who is vision impaired, losing the ability to see well may mean losing their independence. Tasks we take for granted such as cleaning, cooking, reading a prescription label or choosing clothes can be difficult, if not impossible, when vision is impaired.

The AARP Andrus Foundation and The Lighting Research Center of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offer these ideas for anyone you know whose life can be made easier with better lighting.

Replace incandescent bulbs with high-quality fluorescent bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs do a better job of spreading light evenly over a large area, last 10 to 20 times longer than incandescent bulbs and use up to 30 percent less energy. Choose bulbs with a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 2700 to 3500K, and a color rendering index (CRI) of at least 80. These bulbs are designated on the package as "827," "830," and "835. " Read the package carefully to make sure the bulb will fit in your fixture and has the ENERGY STAR label.

Install task lights where extra light is needed for instance, under kitchen cabinets so the countertop is illuminated, or near a chair for reading, sewing or other hobbies. Several styles and task-specific models are available for magnifying screens, illuminating home office work or hobbies at www.dazor.com and www.microsun.com.

To help avoid nighttime falls, make sure a working flashlight is near the bed. For hallways or bathrooms, buy nightlights with photo sensors so they will automatically turn on at night. Install light switches with toggles that glow in the dark.

Paint steps and railings in contrasting light and dark colors, as well as walls and doorframes.

Paint walls a light color to reduce glare and help spread light evenly within a room.

Check out The Lighthouse International's catalog at www.lighthouse.org. Everything from task lights, lighted ball-point pens and voice-activated light switches are available to help anyone with low or impaired vision.

Some general tips to improve vision at home include increasing light levels by adding fixtures close to a task or selecting bulbs with more lumens, (look for lumens rating on the package) not necessarily more watts. Cut down on glare by avoiding a direct view of light bulbs and by using blinds, shades or curtains to minimize the brightness of windows. When using task lighting, place the light to the side of the task (opposite of the hand you write with) to avoid reflected glare. Be aware that shiny surfaces can reflect the image of the bulb and cause glare.

For more lighting tips and room-by-room guidelines for lighting your home, visit www.andrus.org and click on "Latest Research. " A PDF version of the booklet, "Lighting the Way: A Key to Independence," also is available at the site. To order a copy, request #D17460 from AARP Fulfillment at 601 E. Street, NW, Washington, DC 20049.

The AARP Andrus Foundation provides knowledge and education through research that helps find practical solutions to the challenges of aging and retaining independence and dignity throughout life.

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