IES RP-28-07

Between the years 1995 and 2030, it is anticipated that the elderly will increase numerically and as a percentage of total population in all developed countries. Numberical increases will be especially pronounced in Canada and Japan, where the elderly head count will more than double. The United States also will experience a relatively sharp increase (almost 90 percent) in the number of people age 65 and older. Projections indicate that by 2030 there will be more people over age 65 than under age 17 in the U.S.

This older population's growth will impact many industries with particularly great demands placed on building construction and healthcare. However, few people have considered the potential impact lighting can have upon the aging population's health and quality of life. This document addreses the special lighting needs of the aging population.