The Integral Role of Vision in Healthy Aging: Understanding Impacts and Optimizing Environments through Flooring

This white paper explores the integral role of vision in healthy aging, with a focus on how age-related changes and diseases of the eye impact quality of life and safety. Authored by researchers at the University of Georgia’s Institute of Gerontology, it examines how the built environment—especially flooring design—can either mitigate or exacerbate these challenges. The paper provides evidence-based insights into normal and disease-related vision changes, their implications for daily living, and practical design recommendations to enhance contrast, reduce glare, improve slip resistance, and support independence for older adults