The opportunities of biodynamic lighting in homes for the elderly
Light is an important factor for regulation of circadian, endocrine and metabolic processes in the human body. Through this light has a positive effect on cognition, on the stabilization of circadian rhythms and for general wellbeing. These effects are described as non-visual effects of light. Many...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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De Gruyter
2018-09-01
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| Series: | Current Directions in Biomedical Engineering |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1515/cdbme-2018-0031 |
| _version_ | 1797740464202317824 |
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| author | Plischke Herbert Linek Matthäus Zauner Johannes |
| author_facet | Plischke Herbert Linek Matthäus Zauner Johannes |
| author_sort | Plischke Herbert |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Light is an important factor for regulation of circadian, endocrine and metabolic processes in the human body. Through this light has a positive effect on cognition, on the stabilization of circadian rhythms and for general wellbeing. These effects are described as non-visual effects of light. Many dynamic lighting systems are already in use in workplaces and living spaces, aiming to address visual and also non-visual effects. In Europe and US the term “Human Centric Lighting” or abbreviated "HCL” was introduced, as a scientifically agreed concept on how to plan non-visual effects of artificial light in synergy with natural light. Older people, especially with neurological and psychological diseases can especially benefit from this lighting concept. However, in order to achieve the desired non-visual effects, certain conditions should be fulfilled. In Germany the DIN SPEC 67600 is a guideline for the design of biologically effective illumination, with examples for senior- and nursing homes. A goal of this evaluation was to check whether the recommendations of the specification DIN SPEC 67600 in three nursing homes were met and another goal was if effectiveness of the lighting on residents and nursing staff can be determined. Photometric measurements were taken and subjective perceived non-visual effects of light were surveyed using a questionnaire. Results: Although none of the three facilities met all the criteria of the DIN SPEC 67600 guidelines, non-visual lighting effects on residents and nursing staff could be detected. The results also indicate that careful attention should be paid on maintenance of HCL systems. The correct use of HCL solutions in homes for the elderly has opportunities to improve health status if the system is properly designed and maintained. Therefore next to the existing (non-visual) metrics and HCL design guidelines, guidelines for maintaining and regular inspections should be established. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-12T14:12:49Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-9ef99e39050b4ba59a667bacd231a85f |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2364-5504 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-12T14:12:49Z |
| publishDate | 2018-09-01 |
| publisher | De Gruyter |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Current Directions in Biomedical Engineering |
| spelling | doaj.art-9ef99e39050b4ba59a667bacd231a85f2023-08-21T06:42:01ZengDe GruyterCurrent Directions in Biomedical Engineering2364-55042018-09-014112312610.1515/cdbme-2018-0031cdbme-2018-0031The opportunities of biodynamic lighting in homes for the elderlyPlischke Herbert0Linek Matthäus1Zauner Johannes2University of Applied Sciences, Department of Applied Sciences and Mechatronics,Munich, GermanyLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München,Munich, GermanyUniversity of Applied Sciences, Department of Applied Sciences and Mechatronics,Munich, GermanyLight is an important factor for regulation of circadian, endocrine and metabolic processes in the human body. Through this light has a positive effect on cognition, on the stabilization of circadian rhythms and for general wellbeing. These effects are described as non-visual effects of light. Many dynamic lighting systems are already in use in workplaces and living spaces, aiming to address visual and also non-visual effects. In Europe and US the term “Human Centric Lighting” or abbreviated "HCL” was introduced, as a scientifically agreed concept on how to plan non-visual effects of artificial light in synergy with natural light. Older people, especially with neurological and psychological diseases can especially benefit from this lighting concept. However, in order to achieve the desired non-visual effects, certain conditions should be fulfilled. In Germany the DIN SPEC 67600 is a guideline for the design of biologically effective illumination, with examples for senior- and nursing homes. A goal of this evaluation was to check whether the recommendations of the specification DIN SPEC 67600 in three nursing homes were met and another goal was if effectiveness of the lighting on residents and nursing staff can be determined. Photometric measurements were taken and subjective perceived non-visual effects of light were surveyed using a questionnaire. Results: Although none of the three facilities met all the criteria of the DIN SPEC 67600 guidelines, non-visual lighting effects on residents and nursing staff could be detected. The results also indicate that careful attention should be paid on maintenance of HCL systems. The correct use of HCL solutions in homes for the elderly has opportunities to improve health status if the system is properly designed and maintained. Therefore next to the existing (non-visual) metrics and HCL design guidelines, guidelines for maintaining and regular inspections should be established.https://doi.org/10.1515/cdbme-2018-0031lightinghclelderlybiodynamicintegrative lightingtuneable whitecare homesmaintenance chronobiologyscn. |
| spellingShingle | Plischke Herbert Linek Matthäus Zauner Johannes The opportunities of biodynamic lighting in homes for the elderly Current Directions in Biomedical Engineering lighting hcl elderly biodynamic integrative lighting tuneable white care homes maintenance chronobiology scn. |
| title | The opportunities of biodynamic lighting in homes for the elderly |
| title_full | The opportunities of biodynamic lighting in homes for the elderly |
| title_fullStr | The opportunities of biodynamic lighting in homes for the elderly |
| title_full_unstemmed | The opportunities of biodynamic lighting in homes for the elderly |
| title_short | The opportunities of biodynamic lighting in homes for the elderly |
| title_sort | opportunities of biodynamic lighting in homes for the elderly |
| topic | lighting hcl elderly biodynamic integrative lighting tuneable white care homes maintenance chronobiology scn. |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1515/cdbme-2018-0031 |
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