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There is light at the end of the tunnel for nursing home residents suffering from sleep problems. Copenhagen and Århus have initiated a project that will increase the quality of life for thousands of elderly residents in Denmark’s nursing homes with light. Belid Lighting Group’s VD, Peter, Tafazoli, had this to say: “We are extremely proud and very happy to have been given the opportunity to work with Lyhne Design and the counties of Copenhagen and Århus to develop such an innovative lighting solution”. Using the right type of light, at the right time of day, can do wonders for our health, especially among the elderly. This is especially important for residents of nursing homes, who perhaps are not as mobile or able to come outside to enjoy natural daylight. This lack of exposure to daylight can have a detrimental effect on their well-being, appetite, energy levels and quality of sleep. “We look forward to developing solutions and creating lighting that will contribute to an improved quality of life for nursing home residents in these two counties. There are many people who can benefit positively from this project, which is very inspiring”, Peter Tafazoli continues. Sisse Marie Welling, Copenhagen Council’s health and care councilor stated that at its core, the project’s focus is “on quality of life and creating an opportunity for the elderly who deserve a good circadian rhythm. The elderly residents of nursing homes can be restricted in their movements and not able to take full advantage of the natural daylight that is needed to keep them healthy. This is where technology steps in. Lights can, for example, emphasize colours in food, thereby increasing appetite”. Christian Budde, Århus’s health and care councilor added that the right light “can improve circadian rhythm and improve well-being. I think that everyone can relate to the positive importance of sleep when it comes to our physical and mental health. An important part of the project is that the lighting solutions are completely mobile and can be moved around and installed exactly where they are needed. It makes economic sense and benefits our citizens in a completely new way”. Belid Lighting Group secured the contract after facing competition from several international lighting companies and together with Lyhne Design, have developed a product that is not only easy to use and reliable, but incorporates advanced lighting technology. This will now be developed further to suit nursing home residents. “We worked on our project proposal in several different stages last year, which was an exciting process for us and the fact that we have been solely assigned the project, shows the strength of our idea. We are now looking forward to seeing this project through in its entirety and ultimately influencing everyday life for the better, with the power of light!” Anders Lundin, Professional’s Business Area Manager. The SolMate luminaire has a battery backup, which means that it can easily be moved around as needed. It is extremely economical and has a ten-year battery life. The light follows the natural rhythm of daylight, with a low intensity warm light in the morning and evening, and an increased intensity throughout the day. Manufactured and developed in Varberg on Sweden’s West coast, Belid Lighting Group have been active since 1969. Today, they are one of the Nordic region’s largest lighting manufacturers in home and project lighting. With their large capacity and strong, innovative power, Belid manufactures own brand luminaires, as well as external brands requiring production capacity and development. Facts about the project

• The aim of the project is to help the elderly in nursing homes receive the right amount and type of light, at the right time of day, in a flexible and cost-effective way that will improve their sleep and benefit their physical and mental health.
• The product must meet the special requirements regarding biological effect, user-friendly design, easy installation, robustness, and price.
• The goal is that by the end of 2022 we will have produced a well-proven, documented product, that can be purchased at a lower price than current solutions and can increase the quality of life for both residents and employees of nursing homes in Denmark.
• Sunlight is the best source of light for a healthy circadian rhythm. Unfortunately, residents in nursing homes do not have the same opportunities as we do to take advantage of this. Also, as we age, the eye becomes less able to absorb light. The retina of an 80-year-old, for example, absorbs one third less light than the retina of a 20-year-old.

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