Regular physical activity is critical for staying healthy as we age. It has been proven to lower stress, boost mood, keep joints lubricated, build and maintain muscle strength and flexibility, and increase blood flow throughout the brain and body, all of which can help prevent the development of chronic disease and loss of independence. People with low or impaired vision tend to move more slowly and move less overall, even in their own homes, in order to avoid sustaining injuries from tripping and falling. 

Fortunately, many home modifications for those with visual impairment can be easy and inexpensive. A recent study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that by simply increasing lighting around the home, study participants with glaucoma significantly increased their home-based physical activity. Learn more about what this can mean for you.

What the researchers did

The research team analyzed data on 153 people, with an average age of 71, who either had glaucoma or were suspected of having glaucoma. Of those, 61% had been diagnosed with more than one concurrent illness, and approximately 33% took a minimum of five prescription medications. 

Using wearable technology, the researchers kept track of participants’ activity levels for seven consecutive days. A coordinator went to each participant’s home to evaluate it for potential hazards, and to log the amount of lighting in various rooms of the house. 

What they found

The researchers found that, for every incremental unit of light in the home, participants:

• Took 5% more daily steps, and 
• Had a 3% faster average movement cadence. 

“Overall,” the study authors wrote, “our findings suggest that lighting may play a substantial role in improving physical activity measures at home in certain populations.”

What it means

Previous research revealed that the intensity of ambient lighting in the homes of people with visual impairment was below recommended levels in more than 85% of the homes assessed. Still other studies have demonstrated that home-based activities such as walking, making the bed, washing dishes, using stairs, and gardening all have health benefits for older adults and help them maintain their independence longer. 

The current study indicates that better lighting makes home-based physical activity more likely for older people with low vision or visual impairment. Improved lighting helps with:

• Better navigation,
• Perceiving hazards, and
• Postural stability.

All of this, state the authors, recommends lighting as a good target for modification to maintain health and independence in the home.

*Fischer, K. (2024, February 9). Better home lighting may help people with glaucoma get more steps, move faster. McKnights Long-Term Care News. https://www.mcknights.com/news/clinical-news/better-home-lighting-may-help-people-with-glaucoma-get-more-steps-move-faster/ 

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