Visual Comfort in Elder Care Facilities: Promoting Environmental Gerontology Theory

Assessment and optimization of tunnel lighting quality based on drivers' visual comfort: From methodology to application

As socio-economic advancements raise living standards, the demand for comfortable indoor environments has increased, highlighting the important role of daylighting in enhancing thermal and visual comfort. Shadings, as well-known building facade elements, encourage efficient energy usage, can offer multiple health benefits to users and help create more efficient working spaces by solving potential issues of glare and heat through daylight control. To solve multi-objective design challenges of shadings, the Genetic Algorithm (GA) emerges as a contemporary solution. To have a better understanding of GA in shading design, this study developed a systematic review of the literature examining shading design via GA in the Scopus index, based on the systematic review process, PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). Once the selection criteria and the performance criteria were established, 23 publications of literature were included in the review. The performance criteria for shading design reviewed in the publications include functional aspects related to visual and thermal comfort, user interaction, aesthetics, energy efficiency and environmental performance. The gaps in research and emerging trends suggested that there was a growing interest in using algorithmic design methods, especially GAs, to meet the multifaceted challenges of shading design. This paper aims to contribute valuable insights into the development of innovative shading solutions that effectively balance user comfort and energy demands, ultimately advancing the field of sustainable architectural design. This study highlights the critical need for further exploration in the algorithmic design of shading systems and offers more effective solutions to contemporary challenges of sustainable space design.

The visual feeling of a luminous environment in indoor stadiums is essential to athletes and spectators. Creating a visually comfortable luminous environment in indoor stadiums that rely solely on artificial lighting is necessary. Current visual comfort metrics based on luminance require designers to keep luminance or luminance ratios within certain ranges, which makes it challenging to satisfy these requirements for visual comfort at the design stage due to the difficulty of measuring luminance. The multiple lighting standards and power demand enhance the complexity of lighting design for indoor stadiums. Aiming at these, this article first takes the RAVI (ratio of the average vertical illuminance) of the spectator stands relative to the playing field for indoor stadiums. It was found that visual comfort is optimal when RAVI reaches 0.4 through a VR (virtual reality) subjective evaluation experiment. Subsequently, the optimal RAVI is implemented in a multi-objective optimization method, NSGA-II (Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II), as a constraint is applied for lighting optimization design to optimize the lighting standards and power demand taking the example of the basketball field. The results show that the optimized solution satisfies the proposed RAVI while meeting the lighting standards (Chinese standard JGJ 153–2016) and having relatively low energy consumption. The energy efficiency of this method is verified, and the results show that the uniformity of illuminance is increased by at least 7%, and the total power of the luminaires is reduced by 13%. This study provides a reference for lighting optimization design considering visual comfort in indoor stadiums.

BackgroundCeramic tiles are widely used in workplace environments, and their visual characteristics can influence users’ perceptual and cognitive experiences. However, research remains limited on how ceramic tile properties affect visual comfort, cognitive performance, and related neural responses.MethodThis study examines six common types of mass-produced ceramic tiles, employing virtual reality (VR) and electroencephalogram (EEG) technologies to evaluate visual comfort and cognitive performance. A 2 (patterned vs. non-patterned) × 3 (light-toned, medium-toned, dark-toned) factorial design was used to construct six immersive VR environments through 3D modeling. Data on visual comfort ratings, cognitive behavioral performance, and EEG responses were collected from participants in each environment. The effects of tile’s pattern and brightness on visual comfort, cognitive outcomes, and neural activity were analyzed.ResultThe findings indicate that environments with non-patterned and light-toned ceramic tiles received higher visual comfort ratings and elicited increased alpha wave power spectral density, reflecting positive emotional experiences. In terms of cognitive performance, the participants had shorter reaction durations in the environments of light-toned ceramic tiles and patterned ceramic tiles, and were negatively correlated with the beta wave power spectral density values.DiscussionThe results suggest that ceramic tile selection can be tailored to the functional needs of interior spaces. For instance, in relaxing settings such as lounges, tiles that enhance alpha-wave activity may be preferable, while in workspaces requiring high cognitive engagement--such as studios, meeting rooms, or offices--tiles that promote moderate beta-wave activity may be more suitable. This study provides valuable insights and evaluation methods for interior and ceramic tile designers, especially for design of Chinese region.

The field of office daylighting is vital for both energy efficiency practice and occupants’ visual comfort. With the emergence of green building in Malaysia, building designers are exploring avenues for energy efficiency design; one common strategy is daylighting. The majority literature reviews on daylighting are skewed towards temperate or developed countries, where sky luminous condition is different from that of the Tropics. Conventional daylighting system designs redirect daylight from the envelope or atrium openings, such as light shelves. Presumed to be the pioneer daylight trough in the Tropics, this paper presents the simulated and in-situ lighting level measurements prior to occupancy. This case study presents an as-built daylight trough design which is able to daylight the office space as deep as 6 meters sufficiently. It achieves a lighting power density 1.90W/m2 and saves 39.2% of lighting energy over conventional office lighting energy. Discussed further is the practicality of working with such a system, including cost implication, return on investment and contractual challenges in reaching a consensus on the design. The results reinforce that the effectiveness of daylighting design is very dependable on the sun path and obstacles surrounding the office tower. The RADIANCE simulation correlates well to field measurement results. Further investigation into the light trough, its lighting energy savings, users’ interaction, visual comfort, and glare is still ongoing.

Daylighting is an effective method in creating a comfortable visual environment and energy efficiency in university buildings. The potential for energy savings through daylighting studies is great was investigated using a case study approach on the three design studios in KAED Building, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). The methodology simultaneously undertook field measurements and opinion surveys in the studios facing north, south, and northwest. Daylighting measurements using the Lux-Meter and calculations of the lighting energy consumption were conducted. The questionnaire survey was distributed to the users of the studios to assess their opinions on visual comfort. The results showed that the lighting levels were not up to the required standard. However, the lack of daylight did not hinder the users' visual comfort. The study proposed changing the existing less-efficient Fluorescent-T8 lamps to the more-efficient LED (light-emitting diode) lights for energy efficiency. Calculations on the annual energy consumption yielded a 40% reduction in the lighting bills and a payback period of around five years.

China’s elderly population is currently facing a period of fast growth, bringing enormous challenges relating to all aspects of elderly people's daily lives. The key issue facing society today is how to make elderly care facilities that meet the demands of the growing ageing population. Applying reasonable statistical methods to define the indicating factors for urban elderly care facilities, helps to understand the existing circumstances of China's elderly care facilities, dissect future development trends and provide a basis on which to build an elderly care statistical database; thus, guiding the rational development of China's urban elderly care facilities through intuitive, universal and firm indicators that reflect the current situation.

The present paper deals with a wide range of issues related to the environmental quality in learning spaces, such as thermal and visual comfort, as well as energy efficiency. All of these issues fall under the umbrella of the UN Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Upon reviewing publications of past studies, interviews were conducted and questionnaires were distributed in public high schools in the province of Alicante, located in the Southeast of Spain. Sixteen high schools were selected for the interviews. Fifteen in the city of Elche, which is the total amount of the high schools in the city. One additional high school that was considered important for this research was included in the study due to the characteristics of the building design, excessively exposed to weather conditions. Significant differences were observed between schools built before 2000 and those built after that date. The latter, surprisingly, not more thermally and visually comfortable or energy efficient. The knowledge gained from our investigation will be of great benefit for architects, designers, engineers, school planners and principals in order to establish stronger connections between infrastructures and SDGs. A chart linking recommendations with specific SDGs is also included in this study.

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is one solution that widely applied to control the density of cities. Seeing the precedent, areas adjacent to public transit will be dominated by high-rise buildings. The issues raised in this paper related to how the phenomenon of high-rise development impacts the urban visual environment. The literature review method is used to determine aspects of the urban environment through visual comfort and visual disturbance. Literature review results in several factors influencing the urban visual environment, consist of the natural landscape, vegetation, exterior building and views, dimension, urban screen, visibility, colors, and materials. It was found that the difference between comfort and disturbance indicators tends to be thin because there is an acceptable disturbance. This situation occurs where visual disturbance can be tolerated as long as psychologically, there is a pleasantness increase. Related to TOD, development around transit areas must be considered for its impact on the urban visual environment. It is expected that through the achievement of a comfortable urban visual environment, the level of satisfaction will increase along with the increasing role of the transit area in supporting the use of public transportation and walkability, which are the goals of the TOD in an urban area.

Decades ago, the only requirement to construct a building was to give men the right conditions for the execution of their work or leisure activities. With the development of knowledge about the internal and external environments of buildings, other requirements have been added such as the issue of user comfort. New construction techniques have been incorporated and new products have been created to improve internal environment comfort. This research addressed the importance of using indicators related to environmental comfort in sustainability assessment tools applied to school buildings. It also considered the importance of environmental issues for the good performance of human beings, and the harmonious coexistence of the comfort indicators indoor air quality, thermal comfort, visual comfort, acoustic comfort and ergonomic comfort based on data gathered in research carried out with users of high schools (only students). This research was carried out in two different cities of different countries, Guimarães (Portugal) and Juiz de Fora (Brazil), that have similar characteristics of teaching standards and climate conditions (temperature and air humidity). In this study, interviews were made through questionnaires and, later, the information collected was analyzed. This study demonstrates the need to include an ergonomic indicator for school buildings in sustainability assessment tools.

As the global aging population continues to grow, the need for holistic care in long-term care facilities has become increasingly important. While medical and psychological support remain fundamental, spiritual well-being plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for elderly individuals. This review explores the development of a tailored model for religious counseling in long-term care facilities, emphasizing the integration of spiritual support into comprehensive elder care. Religious counseling offers comfort, meaning, and emotional resilience to aging individuals who often face loneliness, grief, existential concerns, and end-of-life transitions. By addressing diverse faith traditions and personal spiritual needs, tailored spiritual support can contribute to emotional stability, social engagement, and improved overall well-being. This proposes a structured framework for integrating religious counseling into long-term care settings, highlighting key components such as individualized spiritual assessments, pastoral and chaplaincy services, group religious activities, and family involvement in spiritual care. Challenges in implementing religious counseling, including religious diversity, institutional resistance, financial constraints, and ethical considerations, are also examined. Potential solutions, such as training staff in interfaith communication, fostering collaboration with religious organizations, and leveraging technology for virtual spiritual counseling, are discussed. The review also presents case studies from successful models of spiritual care in elder care facilities, demonstrating the tangible benefits of integrating religious support into healthcare settings. Ultimately, this study advocates for policy development, institutional support, and further research on spiritual well-being in aging populations. By adopting a tailored approach to religious counseling, long-term care facilities can provide a more compassionate and holistic environment that respects and nurtures the spiritual dimensions of elderly residents, promoting dignity, hope, and emotional well-being in their later years.

People spend about 90% of their time indoors. This extended exposure to indoor conditions affects well-being and performance. Design decisions have a profound impact on IEQ, yet existing IEQ-related assessments normally wait until the post-occupancy evaluation when few opportunities for design improvement exist. This study introduces an efficient simulation-based framework involving parametric modeling to simultaneously quantify the impact of design decisions on all domains of IEQ, namely, thermal comfort, visual comfort, acoustic comfort, and air quality. To achieve this goal, first a set of metrics and corresponding evaluation methods to quantify the four IEQ domains are developed. Then, a number of design parameters that impact multiple IEQ criteria in the design stage including office geometry, facade design, and material properties are investigated. Next, the aggregated score for each domain is presented to measure the room’s IEQ performance. A case study is considered to demonstrate the proposed workflow. The results indicate the importance of considering all comfort domains together, as one design choice might improve one IEQ domain at the cost of others. The proposed workflow is an efficient and effective method for architects and other building stakeholders to compare design scenarios with regards to IEQ performance at preliminary design stages.

Outbreaks of influenza B infection and pneumococcal pneumonia at a mental health facility in Japan.

Review Question/s What is the impact of Art Therapy participation on the individuals’ wellness and emotional needs? What is the experience and meaningfulness of the aged person and their participation either in group Art Therapy situations or in one on one situations? Inclusion Criteria Types of Participants Participants will be people aged 65 years or over with no evidence of dementia or other cognitive disabilities. They will either be in nursing home care, community care, day care, residential, low-care, supported living or the medical home. They may have no family or other emotional support and be suffering from increasing introspection. Types of Interventions The intervention of interest will be Art Therapy with the focus on the visual arts. All available techniques will be considered, including for example, art therapy sessions using a variety of tools, drawing, painting, computer manipulated imagery, photography and any other mode of visual expression. Art Therapy techniques examined will be those used in the group situation or with the individual aged person. Examined will also be who runs the art therapy program, is it an artist, professional art therapist, general therapist, is the therapy self-directed, how long will the sessions run for, what time period are sessions conducted over? Are these programs six months, twelve months etc how do the frail aged cope with half hour sessions or one hour sessions. Types of Outcome Measures Quantitative outcomes will look at the measureable psychological and psychosocial outcomes and behavioural characteristics resulting from Art Therapy. Indicators will include measures of cognitive function, Quality of Life (QOL) scales, depression scales, frequency of participation in activities and art therapy assessment scales. What are the participants’ communicative skills, social interaction, and quality of social interaction, behavioural problems e.g. stereotypic behaviour, and attention and concentration skills? Do they have an improved cognitive abilities, do they cope with stress and adverse events more easily. Qualitative outcomes will be subjective from the patient’s point of view, how they react to what feelings and emotions they are experiencing from the therapy sessions. Does the reminiscing help or make them feel sad for what they’ve lost, or happy for what they’ve had in their past? Reasons for exclusion Studies will be excluded if they are about the performing arts - music, dance and drama. Participants will be excluded if they are under 65 years of age, and if they have been diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer’s or other cognitive disorders. Editorials and opinion articles will be excluded.

Long-term care needs have grown with population aging. This study explores the relationships among health status, healthcare expenditure, and long-term care insurance (LTCI) among the older adults. Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS 2011, 2013, 2015, 2018, and 2020) and based on the demand model for healthcare services, this study employed the difference-in-difference (DID) method to assess how the implementation of LTCI contributed to the health status and healthcare expenditures of the older adults. The propensity score matching DID method (PSM-DID) and other tests were used to conduct further robustness checks. The findings demonstrate a significant positive impact of LTCI on improving the health status and reducing healthcare expenditures in the elderly population. The PSM-DID indicates that LTCI can effectively improve the health status of the elderly population and reduce their healthcare spending. Based on the findings, the development of relevant policy frameworks for LTCI in China is recommended. These include consider the differences among the various pilot cities and social strata to allow policy adjustments and improvements in a timely, establish a dynamic and diversified long-term care insurance financing mechanism, encourage collaboration between medical institutions and elder care facilities, establish effective contact between LTCI and medical institutions, and use incentive policies such as tax relief to provide financial support and subsidies.