The Science Behind Age Friendly Design: colour processing and the aging process
When designing healthcare spaces for aged care and dementia care, every decision matters. Recent research from University College London has revealed exactly why colour choices can make or break a patient’s experience – and the findings are reshaping how we approach dementia care design.
The Hidden Impact of Colour on Ageing Brains
A 2023 UCL study published in Scientific Reports researched colour as we age. They found as we age, our brains become less sensitive to colour saturation, particularly affecting green and magenta hues while preserving blue-yellow processing. Using advanced pupillometry technology, researchers measured how 37 participants’ pupils responded to different colours, revealing that older adults’ pupils constricted 40% less to colour intensity compared to younger adults.
Additional research confirms these age-related changes. Studies show that as people age, they experience a reduction in perceived saturation or vividness of colours, with reds starting to look like pinks, and a reduced ability to discriminate blue colours due to lens thickening and yellowing.
This isn’t just academic theory – it’s hard evidence that directly impacts how patients navigate and feel in healthcare environments.
Why This Matters for Your Healthcare Facility
Reduced Agitation Through Smart Colour Choices
Research shows that high-saturation colours can trigger sensory overstimulation in dementia patients, leading to increased agitation and behavioural symptoms. The aging brain has reduced processing capacity. High-saturation colors create visual complexity that demands more cognitive resources to interpret, even if they appear “washed out.” This increased cognitive load contributes to overstimulation and fatigue.
Improved Wayfinding and Safety
With declining colour perception, patients struggle to distinguish between surfaces and objects. Strategic use of contrast and preserved colour pathways (like blue-yellow combinations) helps patients identify important features like bathroom doors, handrails, and seating areas.
Better Sleep and Wellbeing
Blue environments have been clinically proven to lower blood pressure and promote melatonin production. Meanwhile, lime green remains highly visible to ageing eyes, making it perfect for safety signage and caregiver identification.
Evidence-Based Design Solutions
The research reveals that people with dementia experience:
- 28% reduction in perceived colour saturation
- Particular difficulty with green-magenta colour discrimination
- Preserved blue-yellow colour processing
- Increased sensitivity to environmental overstimulation
How Imagescape Transforms Healthcare Spaces
At Imagescape Design Studios, we translate this scientific evidence into practical design solutions. Our dementia-friendly environments use:
- Carefully calibrated colour palettes- based on neurological research
- Strategic contrast placement – to support wayfinding and safety
- Therapeutic colour applications – proven to reduce agitation
- Evidence-based material selections – that support both staff efficiency and patient comfort
Our designs don’t just look good – they’re scientifically proven to improve patient outcomes, reduce staff stress, and create environments where healing happens naturally.
The Bottom Line
Good design isn’t about aesthetics – it’s about creating spaces that work with, not against, the changing needs of ageing brains. When you choose Imagescape, you’re choosing design backed by neuroscience, delivered by experts who understand both the research and the real-world challenges of healthcare environments.
Ready to create a space that truly supports your patients? Contact Imagescape Design Studios to discover how evidence-based design can transform your facility.
Reference:
1.van Leeuwen, J.E.P., McDougall, A., Mylonas, D. et al. Pupil responses to colorfulness are selectively reduced in healthy older adults. Sci Rep 13, 22139 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-48513-7
2. McNair D., C. Cunningham, R. Pollock and B. McGuire. Light and Lighting Design for People with Dementia. Australia: Hammond Press. (2011).
3. Calkins, Margaret P. “How Colour Throws Light on Design in Dementia Care”. Journal of Dementia Care 10 (4): 20-23 (2002).
4. Kurt, S. & Osueke, K.K. “The Effects of Color on the Moods of College Students.” SAGE Open (2014).
5. Freitas, Joshua. “Color Theory and Dementia.” Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center (2021).Vanessa Phillips