Designing for Lasting Colour
The term “lasting colour” describes how warm hues such as yellow, orange and red remain more visible as the eye ages, owing to the fact that short-wavelength light (blue-green) is gradually filtered out by the ageing lens, as well as declining pupillary response and retinal changes. Research shows that colour discrimination deficits increase markedly in the older population, especially for the yellow-blue axis².  By incorporating these lasting colours into key fixtures such as grab and shower riser rails, designers can help users with visual decline to more easily locate and use essential support features.

Optimising Contrast
In addition to hue change, ageing brings a measurable drop in contrast sensitivity: older adults need stronger tone (lightness/darkness) differences to detect objects, edges and surfaces reliably³. The tone of a colour is therefore as important as the colour itself - inaccessible design often ignores this and relies solely on hue.  For example, although bright yellow is a warm-hue “lasting colour”, its inherently pale tone may blend into light-coloured backgrounds common in dementia-care settings⁴. Our lasting deep-orange riser and grab rails (LRV=27) deliver strong tonal contrast against pale shower panels or pale wall finishes, enhancing recognition, orientation and confidence for users.

Creating Safe, Calming and Inclusive Spaces
Colour choice in accessible environments may also influence emotional and cognitive responses. While red may be highly visible (lasting and inherently strong in tone), it can also imply a danger warning, heat or provide stimulation in sensitive or dementia-care settings. By opting for deep orange, we combine the visible benefits of a warm long-wavelength colour with a calmer, reassurance-focused tone - supporting safety, dignity and independence for users and carers alike.

See the Difference at Stand J52
We invite you to visit Stand J52 at the Show to explore our range of durable, pre-plumbed accessible shower panels and coordinated deep-orange grab & riser rails. Designed as “lasting, contrasting, reassuring”, these solutions respond directly to vision- and cognition-related difficulties or changes experienced in ageing and neuro- difficulties and degeneration such as dementia and Parkinson's Disease.

References:

1. https://letstalkcolor.com/color-vision-deterioration-in-the-elderly/

2. https://sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140220102614.htm

3. https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/contrast-sensitivity-issues-with-vision

4. https://dementiaallianceinternational.org/blog/colour-and-pattern-in-dementia-care-environments