Relieving Depression in Older People Through Lighting Effects in Multiple Areas of Care and Attention Homes

Depression has emerged as a prevalent psychological disease among older people, causing severe disruption to patients and society. Lighting in the built environment plays a powerful role in relieving depression. However, the varied impacts of different lighting effects and specific areas have not been clearly clarified or effectively implemented. This study established a Lighting Effects–Depression Model and investigated relationships between lighting effects in areas of care and attention homes and depression in older people. A quantitative survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews with older residents from care and attention homes. On-site observations were used to investigate lighting conditions and installations. Lighting effects (uniformity, navigation, colour, glare) of bedrooms, corridors, and dining rooms on depression (lack of energy, sleep disorders, task performance decline, low life satisfaction, low self-satisfaction, negative feelings) were analyzed. The results indicated significant influences of colour improving task performance, while glare induced sleep disorders across all areas examined. Furthermore, navigation and uniformity in bedrooms positively impacted depression via self-satisfaction and life satisfaction. Recommendations for utilizing lighting effects were proposed to relieve depressive symptoms in older people in care and attention homes. © 2026 by the authors.