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The misconception that older people might want or need low-saturation colors because they seem more calming can be seen in the design of elder care facilities where pastel and low-saturation colors have been prevalent. For designers aiming to create a safe and comforting environment for older adults, medium-saturation colors are a practical choice, because they allow for contrast but are viewed as less vivid by the aging eye, promoting a soothing atmosphere. Studies looking at medium saturation highlight the suitability of blue and green for enhancing visual contrast in spaces occupied by older adults, making them a valuable choice for designers. That said, bright colors, carefully selected, can assist in distinguishing between objects, helping older people perform activities of daily living.

Designers should be aware of research on color preferences and understand the difficulties older adults may encounter in distinguishing between colors. Awareness will provide architects and interior designers the vernacular to confidently provide valuable information to their clients and be prepared to adapt their designs to meet those needs.

Eunice Noell-Waggoner, President of the Center of Design for an Aging Society, says designers should have a deeper sense of how aging clients are experiencing the design of a room. “Cataracts that form in the lens may be the most common age-related change that alters color perception,” she says. “The lens turns an amber color, which begins to alter or cancel seeing the blue range. A simple way for a designer to experience how a colored lens alters older adults' color perception is to take a sheet of clear amber film and view your color scheme through the film.”

Noell-Waggoner mentions there was an 80-year-old vision researcher who once commented that he was “blue deprived.” In other words, she noted, he knows blue is there, but he can't see it.

Color Contrast for Visibility and Well-Being

Designers can utilize color contrast for both aesthetic and functional purposes. By using different colors on walls and floor surfaces, using contrasting colors for other elements in the room (such as cabinets or bookcases), and/or using contrasting color schemes for switches, handles, or labels, designers can help define distinctive areas and objects in rooms. It provides a map to help an occupant perform daily tasks.

Photo courtesy of Benjamin Moore

The color contrast of the dark mantle against the light-colored wall serves both functional and safety purposes.

Color design can also highlight potential hazards or obstacles in the environment. For example, using contrasting colors on steps or the edges of furniture can make these elements more visible and reduce the risk of tripping or falling, which is a significant concern for older individuals. Designs like these that support both safety and daily function end up providing an important overall benefit: Allowing aging individuals more independence and control within their living space, which can contribute to positive well-being.

Another aspect of color design to consider is its potential mental and emotional impact. Studies have shown at least some link between color design and mood as well as an effect on cognitive function. Understanding and knowing where the psychology of color and the general principles of design intersect with the needs of those aging in place, offers additional value. Color contrasting done well should also be aesthetically pleasing. Enhancing the visual appeal of the living space makes it more pleasant and comfortable for aging individuals, which can positively impact their overall quality of life.

Reducing Glare with Finishes and Surfaces

Architects should prioritize non-reflective surfaces to reduce glare since older people with vision impairments are particularly sensitive to bright, reflective surfaces. Glossy paints or high-shine finishes can create discomfort and safety hazards due to excessive glare. Instead, opting for matte or eggshell finishes on walls and other surfaces is a wise choice because these finishes not only minimize glare but also facilitate ease of cleaning and maintenance, an important consideration for aging individuals. When designing for aging in place, designers should imagine making the space functional for decades. Choosing finishes that are durable and low-maintenance reduces the burden on older adults who may struggle with upkeep.

Photo courtesy of Benjamin Moore

Matte backgrounds ward off extra glare in a room with a television screen and window.

Architects should avoid using overly glossy surfaces on objects and fixtures around the house, as well, since these can pose similar problems.

Finally, do not use reflective materials, like glass, in places where it can be misidentified as a throughfare. To keep people with low- or aging vision from walking through the glass, make sure to define its borders with patterns or contrasting colors, or choose fritted glass. Providing contrasting delineations can help solve the problem.

ROLE OF LIGHT IN COLOR PERCEPTION

When it comes to color perception, the characteristics of the light source are critical. Elements such as correlated color temperature (CCT), color rendering index (CRI), and spectral power distribution (SPD) define how a light source affects the perception of color. Lighting choices can significantly influence the visual impact of a space on individuals, including older adults.

Photo courtesy of Benjamin Moore

This room provides daylighting, which plays against the light blue wall, while task lighting for reading helps focus additional light where it needs to be for reading.

Correlated Color Temperature

CCT is a measure of the warmth or coolness of light, usually measured in Kelvin (K). Architects consider CCT to create the desired ambiance in a space. Warmer (lower CCT) light, like incandescent bulbs (around 2700K), can create a cozy and intimate atmosphere, while cooler (higher CCT) light, like daylight (around 5000K), can make a space feel more energetic and vibrant. Architects select the appropriate CCT to match the function and mood of the space. For instance, they might choose warmer lighting in a restaurant for a relaxed, comfortable setting and cooler lighting in an office for increased alertness.

The most recent Aging in Place Guide recommends using lighting with a warmer CCT for spaces designed for aging populations—specifically between 2,700K and 3,000K. Warmer light is generally more comfortable and creates a cozier atmosphere, which can be especially beneficial for individuals with visual impairments.

Color Rendering Index

CRI measures how accurately a light source renders colors compared to natural daylight. It is usually rated on a scale from 0 to 100, with higher values indicating better color accuracy.

Architects consider CRI when selecting light sources, especially in spaces where color accuracy is crucial, such as art galleries, clothing stores, or kitchens. A high CRI ensures that colors appear as they would under natural daylight.

A high CRI is essential in spaces for aging occupants to ensure that colors are accurately rendered. A CRI of 90 or higher is often recommended to help distinguish between objects and perceive details more clearly. The most recent Aging in Place Guide recommends 100.

Spectral Power Distribution

SPD describes the distribution of light wavelengths emitted by a light source. Different light sources have different SPDs, which can impact how colors appear. Architects may choose light sources with specific SPDs to achieve the desired color effects. For instance, they might select a light source that enhances warm colors in a restaurant or a source that brings out the natural tones in wood or stone surfaces in a lobby.

When designing for aging populations, architects might want to select lighting sources with a balanced SPD that closely mimics natural daylight. This can help enhance the visual acuity of individuals with low vision and aging eyes. Full-spectrum or daylight-mimicking LED lights can be a good choice. Architects may also want to incorporate lighting with a broad spectrum of color temperatures to allow individuals to adjust the lighting to their specific preferences and needs.

The interaction between lighting and color involves multiple factors. A study conducted by Hegde and Woodson (1999) found that under fluorescent SP30 lighting, blue was rated as providing more clarity than when it was under incandescent light. This highlights the significant role that lighting choices play in shaping color contrast, regardless of age. Practitioners can use these findings to make informed design decisions in residential homes and other settings.

Other Considerations for Lighting

Beyond CCT, CRI, and SPD, there are a few other considerations when designing for low-vision and aging populations. Ensure that lighting is evenly distributed to minimize shadows and reduce glare, which can be particularly problematic for individuals with compromised vision. Use fixtures with appropriate shielding to prevent direct glare.

Consider providing adjustable or task-specific lighting in areas where detailed tasks are performed, such as reading nooks, kitchen workspaces, and bathroom vanities. Designers can also install motion sensors and dimmers for more lighting flexibility and energy efficiency.

Wayfinding with Color and Lighting

Wayfinding is the art and science of helping people navigate and orient themselves within built environments. It involves the design of signage, spatial layouts, and environmental cues to provide clear and intuitive directions, ensuring that individuals can easily find their way within complex structures such as buildings, airports, hospitals, malls, and public spaces, but also within their own homes.

Photo courtesy of Benjamin Moore

Colors and textures provide a path through the room and down the hallway, which is painted a different color to further help define a separate space and provide wayfinding.

Effective wayfinding design takes into consideration human psychology, cognitive processes, and user experience to create a seamless and efficient pathfinding experience for users. It aims to reduce confusion and stress, enhance safety, and improve the overall user experience by making spaces more accessible and user-friendly. Wayfinding design impacts the functionality of a space, but it also impacts its aesthetics. Using color strategically can create a visual hierarchy that guides individuals through a space. This approach for wayfinding in a residential home, especially for aging occupants, is a thoughtful and practical design strategy that can help improve overall comfort for the residents.

Here are some ways interior designers and architects can use color for wayfinding in such settings:

• Color Contrast: Color contrast is a design strategy that helps aging or low-vision eyes understand a given space—and for that reason, it is an excellent tool for wayfinding. For example, using light-colored walls with dark door frames and handles can help older adults navigate their homes more easily.
• Color-Coded Paths: Establish color-coded pathways to guide residents through the home, distinguishing main circulation areas.
• Highlighting Handrails and Grab Bars: Use contrasting colors to highlight handrails and grab bars in areas where mobility may be a concern, enhancing wayfinding and safety.
• Color for Doors and Door Frames: Paint doors and their frames in distinctive colors to help residents differentiate between rooms.
• Contrasting Flooring: Use contrasting colors for different flooring materials in adjoining spaces to make transitions more noticeable.
• Accent Walls: Use distinctive colors along primary circulation paths as visual cues.
• Color-Coded Storage: Assign different colors to cabinets or closets in different rooms to help residents locate items.
• Color on Furniture and Accessories: Incorporate color into furniture or accessories placed strategically to assist with navigation.
• Personalized Color Schemes: Consider the specific needs and preferences of residents to ensure visibility and comfort.
• Accessibility Symbols: Use color in signs and symbols to indicate accessible features like ramps and elevators.

Contrasting with color can assist in memory and recognition, which fortifies the wayfinding benefits: By using distinct colors for specific items or areas, architects can help individuals remember the purpose of each space and easily locate essential objects or areas. It's essential to maintain a well-balanced use of color, avoiding excessive contrast, which can be disorienting for some individuals.

Lighting can also be integrated into designs for better wayfinding. Lighting in corridors should be designed to support a person's ability to move from one area to another. People's eyes tend to adjust to the brightest spot in their visual field, so ensure a well-lit pathway to rooms and key destinations. And, while lighting artwork along hallways can be aesthetically pleasing, it's important not to create overly repetitive patterns that might be visually confusing for those with low vision.

Photo courtesy of Benjamin Moore

Even with a lot of daylighting, this design can control glare and define shapes for a viewer to see all the elements, while the dark paint on the French doors safely delineates the glass.

Ensure that entrances to rooms are well lit and defined, making it easier for older individuals to identify and access different spaces. Balance aesthetic with the functional need for clear wayfinding.

Daylighting is increasingly popular for healthy residential design, but making sure daylight interacts with colors and other elements in a space is essential when designing for aging in place. Imagine a modern home that prioritizes natural daylighting and features large, floor-to-ceiling windows in common areas and hallways. While these windows bring in plenty of natural light and provide beautiful views of the surroundings, they can create navigational challenges for older individuals, especially those with visual impairments or age-related vision changes. The abundance of natural light can lead to glare issues, particularly during bright, sunny days. The large windows can create an extreme contrast between the well-lit areas around the windows and shaded areas or disrupt otherwise carefully contrasted color designs in the space.

Consider a lighting source that is more predictable. LED lighting is a highly efficient and economical choice for creating well-lit environments. It consumes less energy and provides an even, consistent light. Ensure LED lights are placed regularly and consistently to maximize their effectiveness in providing adequate illumination.

Finally, focus on lighting and color design early in the design process to map out how the combination of daylight and artificial light interact with color throughout the home. Designing for aging in place is a multidimensional challenge that encompasses color preferences, color contrast, and lighting choices. But executing it correctly can deliver an exquisite environment—one that raises the bar for design. In the evolving field of architecture, considering the specific needs and preferences of older adults has begun to reveal design solutions that appeal to everyone, no matter their age.

Brian J. Pape is the co-chair of the AIA New York Design for Aging Committee, which is focused on the needs of the aging population in an urban environment. He says that principles of color and light design for aging populations should be universally applied. “These are practical and common-sense principles that I would apply anywhere,” he says. “When an architect is working on a custom home and a client just wants it to be a certain way, you might not talk them out of it. But since we're usually making broader recommendations for many people—not just one-on-one—these principles should be the priority when we specify.”