All humans experience some level of vision loss as part of the aging process. Loss may be due to glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, or complications from diabetes or other diseases. Older eyes also interĀpret color differently, creating a yellowish cast. When designing for the elderly, designers will find it useful to wear a pair of yellow-tinted sunĀglasses when selecting a color palette to replicate this change.
Making a private or public environment comfortable and functional for individuals who are blind or visually impaired should be part of universal design, benefitting all older individuals also. Making facilities and programs and activities safe and accessible for older participants who are blind or visually impaired does not necessarily require a great deal of time, energy, or money. It is a matter of knowing the basics and planning for easy access during the initial design of the facility and its programs.