Industrial and Systems Engineering
Articles Information
Industrial and Systems Engineering, Vol.2, No.2, Mar. 2017, Pub. Date: Jul. 27, 2017
Illuminance Levels in Social Spaces of an Older Adult Facility
Pages: 21-27 Views: 1806 Downloads: 2516
Authors
[01] Paulette Robert Hebert, Design Housing and Merchandising, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, United States of America.
[02] Gina Gould Peek, Design Housing and Merchandising, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, United States of America.
[03] Mihyun Kang, Design Housing and Merchandising, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, United States of America.
[04] Xiofei Zhang, Design Housing and Merchandising, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, United States of America.
Abstract
As the population of the United States ages, one of the concerns is the growing demand for long-term care facilities. Appropriate lighting can improve the older adults’ quality of life, maximize their personal independence, and promote health, well-being, and safety. The purpose of this study was to examine light levels at an existing continuing care retirement center (CCRC) to determine compliance with Iluminating Engineering Society (IES) recommendations. Addressing the needs of older adults in CCRCs is important as CCRCs’ ultimate goal is to promote and protect the health, well-being, and satisfaction of their residents. Properly addressing lighting issues relevant to the older population can help to sustain their well-being. Convenience sampling was utilized to select one existing operational CCRC site in the south central United States of America. Lighting measurements were taken at the CCRC in six interior locations: 1) Lobby, 2) Hallway, 3) Dining Room, 4) Activity Room, 5) Chapel, and 6) Natatorium. Researchers measured 2’-0” or 4’-0” square grids on room surfaces using masking tape to create a grid as a visual aid for taking regularly spaced lighting measurements. Beginning at 12:30 pm and ending at 6:00 pm, the researchers visited the selected interior social spaces and measured the existing illuminance levels following industry-recommended procedures. The researchers measured the visible light in footcandles (fc) with a General Electric (GE) lighting model 217 “triple range” light meter. After taking multiple spot readings throughout each area according to industry recommendations, the means for each social space’s light levels were calculated. In this field study, some or all of the light levels that were measured within four (67%) of the examined CCRC’s social spaces were found to be lower than the specific industry lighting recommendations for the tasks expected to be performed in these areas when one considers the specific standards for older adults. Interior lighting in social spaces in CCRCs should be designed to supports older adult residents in performing a range of visual tasks. Some existing lighting levels measured in the studied CCRC’s social spaces did not meet industry illuminance recommendations. The studied facility is over 20 years old and could benefit from a lighting renovation. The non-uniform illumination found at the CCRC’s facilities create potentially problematic areas of high light level contrasts with glare and deep shadows in evidence. This study could prove useful for designers of new facilities, and ultimately benefit older adults and their quality of life.
Keywords
Lighting, Older Adults, Continuing Care retirement Center, Social Spaces
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