Designing Facilities for the Elderly

Colors 

Color choices are very important when designing a facility  for the elderly, because the aging eye experiences changes in vision that affect the perception of various colors. The following guidelines are offered when choosing colors for a facility: 

• Avoid monochromatic color schemes. Use colors to contrast between vertical and horizontal surfaces, as well as focal objects and background. Similar colors often look the same to those with diminishing vision.       
• Create contrast through the use of light-dark and cool-warm color combinations. Problems adapting to light-dark changes is one of the most common vision challenges for the aging.      
• Dark, dull colors seem to advance toward the observer, whereas lighter, brighter colors appear to recede.       
• Cool colors, such as blues and greens, promote relaxation. Warm colors, such as yellows, reds and oranges, stimulate activity.
• The elderly often experience a decrease in the ability to differentiate cool colors, as opposed to warm colors which are much easier to distinguish. Thus, a light peach may be more effective than a light blue for an older person.      
• Yellow is cheerful. Green is tranquilizing. Blue is spacious, inducing a contemplative mood.      
• Neutral or muted colors are restful.      
• In poorly lit conditions, yellow is the most visible, orange and red hold the most attention, while blue appears hazy and indistinct.      
• Light colored walls with a matte sheen and light flooring with a low-glare finish should be used to optimize lighting and reduce glare. Light scatter increases within the eyes as people age. 
  
  See the lighting, cues, and safety sections for information related to colors. 
  
  Further reading on the topic of colors can be found in: "Creating Functional Environments for Elder Care Facilities." Author: Elizabeth M.Hughes. Geriatric Nursing, vol. 16, July/August 1995. pp. 172-176. "Long-Term Care Design: Current Research on the Use of Color." Author: Barbara A. Cooper. Journal of Healthcare Design, vol. 6, 1994. pp. 61-67. 
  
  

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