BRIGHTENING THE WINTER MONTHS: The Importance of Daylight Light Bulbs for Seniors Aging in Place

BY WILLIE A. PRICE, CAPS, UNIVERSAL DESIGN ESSENTIALS & REHABILITATION SPECIALIST

WILLIE A. PRICE

I appeared recently as a guest on a local radio program to discuss the topic of Aging in Place: What, Who, Where, and Why Aging in Place was so important? I shared how seniors and their families could benefit from early preparation and including Universal Design Technology in their home preparation.

One of the topics discussed was that Aging in Place is about more than living in a safe, secure, and comfortable home. It also involves supporting overall well being, including mental health, nutrition, fitness, and daily movement. As the winter month’s approach and daylight saving time begins, we experience shorter days and longer nights. For seniors, these changes can have a significant impact on mood, energy levels, and overall quality of life.

During the winter, daylight becomes limited, and older adults often spend more time indoors due to colder temperatures, icy walkways, or mobility challenges. This reduction in natural sunlight can lead to feelings of isolation, fatigue, and even symptoms of seasonal depression. For seniors Aging in Place, creating a bright and welcoming indoor environment becomes especially important. That’s why I went into details on the Daylight light bulbs and how they were beneficial to older adults.

Daylight light bulbs are designed to mimic the natural brightness of sunlight. Unlike traditional soft or warm bulbs, daylight bulbs emit a cooler, brighter light that resembles outdoor daylight. This type of lighting can help regulate circadian rhythms, which play a critical role in sleep patterns, alertness, and mood.

For seniors, proper lighting can:

• Improve mood and reduce feelings of sadness or lethargy. Improve mental health.

• Increase alertness, concentration, and emotional well-being.

• Enhance visibility and reduce eye strain.

• Improve overall safety by reducing shadows and dark corners within the home.

As daylight hours are reduced during the winter months, installing daylight bulbs in frequently used spaces such as living rooms, kitchens, hallways, and home offices, can help seniors feel more energized and comfortable throughout the day. These bulbs can also be beneficial towards mental health stability and improving emotional well-being.

While lighting plays a key role, combining it with purposeful activities can greatly enhance a senior’s winter experience at home. Here are a few suggestions. Daily movement is very important. Even light movement helps maintain strength, flexibility, and balance. Suggested indoor activities include:

• Chair yoga or stretching routines. I do a 15-minute workout on Facebook Sun.-Fri. 7:30am to 7:45am.

• Light resistance exercises using bands or small weights or using various size balls.

• Walking laps inside the home or hallway. Also going up and down your stairs for strength and hip & ankle mobility.

• Balance exercises near a sturdy chair or countertop.

• Puzzles, crosswords, and word games, reading books, newspapers, or magazines

• Listening to audiobooks or podcasts. Learning a new skill: journaling, crafting, etc.

• Schedule regular phone or video calls with family and friends.

Short, consistent movement sessions throughout the day can boost circulation and energy levels.

Willie A. Price is the President of the WNY Aging in Place Council and he is the only CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist) and Universal Design Essentials, Rehabilitation Specialist in the country. For more information: WNYAginginPlace@ gmail.com or (716) 246 1477