Numerical increases will be especially pronounced in Canada and Japan, where the elderly head count will more than double.  The United States will also 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 65 than under age 17 in the United States.As this segment of the population ages, they will experience an increased loss of vision. Poor lighting is often associated with potentially life-threatening falls among the elderly.

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 addresses the special lighting needs of the aging population.