LED Lighting for the Ages: How to Save Money and Stay Healthy

Believe it or not, LED lighting may be one of the greatest inventions. Seems like a stretch compared to things like the telephone, car, and computer, right? But LED (or light emitting diode) lights may help save our environment and our health as more as people adopt these high-tech bulbs in their homes. This is especially important for senior citizens who sometimes experience vision impairments or partial eyesight loss through the years.

What makes LED lights so special and effective as far as economy and health are concerned is the specific way in which they are built. Researchers have really pushed the lights to be as safe and durable as possible while saving money and energy. 

At the moment, LED lighting is the most energy-reducing and money-preserving tool on the market. Unlike traditional or conventional lighting options (like incandescent or CFL bulbs), LED bulbs are known to save up to 75% in energy. According to experts with Energy.gov, as of 2027, LEDs are likely to save up the power equal to the energy produced by 44 large electric power plants. Money-wise, this reflects a savings of over $30 billion dollars.

One of the ways LEDs save money is by producing very little heat. Traditional lights can give off up to 90% of their energy as heat rather than light! You know this if you have ever been under the lights in your workshop or kitchen on a hot day. You can actually feel the heat radiating on your head. That heat is the last thing anyone wants when it comes to safety. Accidentally bumping into one of these conventional bulbs can result in burns. LED lights are cooler to the touch, making them a safe option for seniors.

On top of the safety and major energy and money savings, LEDs have lasting power. Durability is one reason for their popularity among seniors since one LED bulb can last for years. In fact, they last about 25 times longer than incandescent lights. Now seniors don't have to spend as much time climbing on ladders and using bulb installers (extension sticks) to change bulbs all the time. They can set them and forget them for quite some time.

The main reason why LEDs are not only different but immensely practical and easy to use is that manufacturers have made sure to come up with a variety of LED lights adjusted to fit everyone’s needs. Various color options, styles, fixtures, and brightness levels ensure that you can find just about any kind of light you need - from reading lights to garden pathway LED lights. 

 Seniors and the elderly have struggled with poor and ineffective lighting for years. Poor lighting can impair their vision and causing further complications when trying to read both small and larger print. Our vision usually starts to change after turning 40 years of age. From there on, it is crucial that every senior takes preventive measures to reduce further decline.

Making your home bright can involve more than traditional lamps. You can paint or wallpaper your walls in light-reflecting hues.  Installing various types of additional light sources, including sconces, light valances, recessed LED lights, ceiling lights, and portables, are other options to adding more light. To further preserve eyesight, seniors are advised to purchase a desk lamp or lamps for use next to reading chairs for direct light when working or reading.

Though it’s natural for our eyes to age, when you add poor lighting to the equation, you have a recipe for a health disaster.  As seniors approach their 65th year of life, the need for additional lighting almost doubles. The lumens (or brightness) of LEDs can help.  Keep in mind that if you do choose LED lighting, there are several things you need to know.

• Wattage and lumens: First, you should pay attention to what wattage your lighting fixtures can handle and not using bulbs that cross that limit. Though LEDs aren't actually measured in wattage, manufacturers post the watt equivalents on the packaging to make it easier for consumers. 
  
  
• Natural light: It is important to remember that no artificial light will ever replace the light coming from the sun itself. Make sure to take advantage of that natural light whenever you can. Combining the sun with your artificial lights is the best lighting for demanding tasks.
  
  
• Dimming options: As important as it is to have your lights be bright, it is just as necessary to be able to dim them to relax. LED lights with dimmability options allow you to adjust to exactly what you need, when you need it. You can save money by only using the minimum to get the job done. 
  
  
• Light controls: When considering the light design for any home with seniors, having clear, accessible, and easy-to-use light controls is critical. The last thing anyone wants is for someone to not be able to adjust their lighting in an emergency or to stumble in the dark to find the switch. Try to keep the light controls consistent throughout the home so that knowing where they are becomes second nature.

 Lighting can be critical in helping to reduce falls and injuries among seniors. Avoid shadows as much as you can. Use well-placed floor lighting to make sure you can have solid footing on the ground. Keep all of your crafts, newspapers, boxes, and other odds and ends under a direct light and off of the floor. And don’t forget the outside - use LED wallpacks to light walkways and garages.

Take the time to learn more about LED lighting designs for your home by contacting a qualified supplier today. 

Gilbert Cabrales has been with CS LED since its inception in 2008, first as an employee and then as a valued partner. Gilbert has vast experience in both lighting and electrical work and has a unique method for collaborating with his clients. He doesn’t stop at the sale. Instead, he works to truly connect with his clients and remains a resource throughout the lifespan of each one of their lighting projects. From design to implementation and beyond, you can count on “Gil” to deliver LED expertise and true partnership capabilities.