As we age, our physical needs and limitations change. Several recent studies show specific ways that regular exposure to natural daylight can lessen some of the effects of aging and have a positive effect on the health of active adults and seniors.

This section contains a brief overview of some of the more relevant findings. Understanding them will help you as a builder to better cater to the needs of potential home buyers.

As we age, the amount of daylight we experience impacts our health and well being more and more. Creating living spaces that bring in natural light can help active adults receive the light that they need. Below are just a few examples of health issues related to insufficient natural light.

As we age, sleep disorders become much more common. Circadian rhythms are physiological effects that last about 24 hours. They have effects on our sleep, activity level, appetite and mood. Proper lighting assists in overcoming circadian rhythm disturbances.

Depression afflicts people of all ages, but the elderly are particularly vulnerable. Daylight can brighten the room and the moods of all in it.

As we age, our bones absorb less Calcium, which makes them become weaker. Sunlight provides Vitamin D that leads to more Calcium absorption and stronger bones.

There is a great need for balanced light in the homes of active adults. If done correctly, proper lighting of your homes should have a very positive effect on the well-being of your customers.

Inadequate lighting, on the other hand, can lead to an increase in injury-causing falls, the number one cause of accidental death among the elderly. Providing appropriate lighting can make active adult housing safer and more comfortable while lessening your own liability. See below for more details.

As we age, we acquire an increased sensitivity to glare, slower adaptation to changes in brightness levels, loss of contrast sensitivity, and altered color perception. For example, the average 60 year old requires 2–3 times the amount of light when compared to a 20 year old. What this boils down to is that as we age, we need more light to function properly.

Even active adults are spending more time indoors. They are asking for low maintenance houses. One of the reasons is to spend less time outside working. This can decrease our exposure to healthy daylight unless daylight is brought indoors through windows and skylights. If done properly, providing balanced interior lighting can provide the light needed to counteract many of the health concerns facing seniors.

As the eyes age, less light reaches the retina. Healthy older people experience about two thirds less bright light exposure than younger people. This, combined with an increased sensitivity to glare and a decrease in mobility, increases the likelihood of falls and related injuries.

In fact, falls are the leading cause of accidental death in the elderly population and 90% of hip fractures occur as a result of falls. Inadequate lighting is the #1 environmental factor linked to most fall-related accidents.