Like most of the developed countries, Australia’s population is ageing. According to statistics, the median age (the age at which half the population is older and half is younger) of the Australian population is now 36.9 years -- an increase of 5.3 years since the 1980s.

Of course this presents challenges to our government. These demographics have and will influence future policy on everything from the economic effects of an ageing labour force to increased demands on the health care system.

However, our ageing society also poses challenges to individuals. Increasingly, families are faced with needs of elderly relatives who want to remain in their own homes. As a result, their safety and comfort becomes a major concern.

It won’t come as much of a surprise that, as we age, our eyesight deteriorates. The lens thickens and yellows. It becomes less sensitive to colours with shorter wavelengths, such as blues and greens, and finds reds and oranges – which have longer wavelengths – easier to see. As a result, our ageing parents may find it more difficult to distinguish their pale blue walls from the green and blue carpet. This may lead to falls and almost certainly will cause them confusion and apprehension.

Comfort is another issue. As you age, you seek out warmth and harmony. Colour research suggests that the proper use of colour can create just the right atmosphere to engage the elderly, offering them comfort, and even encouraging them to eat.

And don’t forget the impact of lighting on colour. Of course, for safety and security reasons, you’ll want to increase light throughout their home but you may want to consider the effect of fluorescent lighting, for example, on room colours. Some colours look harsh and unaccommodating under fluorescent bulbs; others blend together, making staircases, for example, a real hazard.

For answers to these concerns, many people are turning to the experts for advice. To keep your elderly parents living safely and in comfort (and to make your life easier) why not consult a colour expert?

Most colour consultants are well-versed in the impact of colour on the elderly and will help you select the right palette to contribute to their safety and comfort. Following are some tips from leading colour consultants:

• Think high contrast. Paint trim, doors and door frames in colours that are easily distinguished from the walls and from each other. A light coloured rug on a wooden floor will stand out and minimise chances of a fall.
• Nursing homes often paint each room and hallway different colours so residents will be able to find their way around. Take a leaf from their book and paint the hallways a different colour from the rooms. Here’s one instance where a flowing paint scheme that moves you seamlessly from room to room may not be such a good idea.
• Make good use of natural lighting or ambient artificial white light. In the living areas, make window coverings light and airy or remove them entirely. Dark-coloured, heavy drapes create an atmosphere that may be downheartening for older people.
• Avoid monotones. Consider introducing bright primary colours as highlights, particularly in the lounge and dining areas.
• Colour variety can engage your elderly relative and keep his or her mind active. And you can boost their energy level with soft shades of reds and oranges, such as terracotta, apricot and tan.
• Research shows that nursing home residents felt emotionally and physically nourished in a colour scheme that contrasted a beigey pink with a palette of pale turquoises and watery blues.

Your local colour consultant can take these general guidelines and personalise them especially to your needs and those of your ageing relatives. If your elderly relatives want to age gracefully in place, encourage them. But you also should ensure that they are safe and comfortable ageing in colour.