Lighting, Mobility and More

Though annoyed to receive regular AARP mailing, I’m thrilled to receive a senior price break at the theater. We all are growing older. Regularly, I read articles on the aging of America. I’m a Baby Boomer. Thus, like many of the generation who are caring or arranging care for their mothers (mine is 92 years old) and fathers, we still have to manage our own health services as well as those of a spouse or children.

On a personal note, I’ve noticed how much more light I want when sitting down to read, balance the checkbook or do any close-up work. My husband, like most people over the age of 50, has begun reaching for the readers as he works his newspaper puzzles. Retailers responded to this demographicneed by marketing eye glass frames as a fashion accessory and offering large inventories of fun and colorful options.

As a result of my own need for light, I’ve paid attention to the placement of lighting fixtures and windows as I visited assisted living communities. Many apartments and even homes, don’t have ceiling light fixtures except in the kitchen and bath areas. Stillwater Senior Living addressed those considerations by installing lights in their shower stall, the bathroom ceiling and multi-bulb fixtures over the sinks. Additionally there are ceiling fixtures in the living room, hall, kitchens, bedroom and closets. I found brightly lit hallways that are extra wide to accommodate residents with walkers, wheelchairs and visitors. The ample benches and wide wooden railings provide reassure those who are walking for exercise or therapy.

Also in our Mom’s apartment, we found anti-glare tint had been added to the living room window to reduce glare in the room, on the tv screen and on Mom’s eyeglasses. The patio door has an enclosed blind which allows Residents to adjust daylight according to their wishes.

Like many seniors with eye or mobility problems, mom is extremely cautious about stair steps, street curbs or any change in grade that could impact her mobility. Stillwater’s single story construction means all are ground floor apartments with walk-out patios.These connect to the paved sidewalk around the exterior perimeter. It makes it easy to walk a ¼ mile outside as part of an exercise regimen.

Staying healthy, mobile, happy and engaged is a worthwhile goal for us at any age.