Finding the Perfect TV Spot for Older Eyes and Easier Living
By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man
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On Friday, I shared with you five ways that seniors can save money while buying a new TV. Today, I will tell you where to place a new TV in your home to maximize your watching pleasure as an older viewer.
Why Placing a TV In the Right Spot Matters
You may think it doesn’t matter if you put the set in the corner of the living room, a dining room nook, or perhaps a bed adjacent spot. But where the TV is positioned can determine how well you see the images on screen and hear the voices of the characters.
This is important for viewers of all ages, but placing a TV in the right spot can make a huge difference for seniors. This can lessen the strain on your eyes and neck – and even make the room safer. Our goal here is to enhance your comfort, provide the clearest picture possible and reduce the risk of the TV (or you!) taking a fall.
Why Where You Sit From a TV Matters
Most seniors watch TV while sitting in a favorite chair or couch. So place the TV so the center of the screen is roughly at eye level when you are sitting in that chair or couch. You might need to mount the set a little higher or using a stand to raise it. But this is very important. If the screen’s center is below or above eye level, this will put pressure on your neck and shoulders after watching for a period of time.
Why How Far You Sit From a TV Matters
Ask 10 people how far they should sit from a TV and you’ll probably get 10 different answers. Everyone has a different favorite spot. But a good rule is to sit about one and a half to two times the screen size away from the set. For example, you would sit about seven to nine feet from a 55-inch TV. If you find that you’re having trouble seeing picture detail, you can scoot up a bit. But be careful you don’t get too close or the picture may feel overwhelming.
Pro tip: If you are using Closed Captioning, see our article on how to increase the size of the CC text with this link. This can help you read the text without having to get too close to the screen.
Why the Lighting In the TV Room Matters
Here’s another big one. Avoid placing the TV directly across a bright window or lamp. This will stop sun and lamp splotches from covering the screen which can force your eyes to work harder. Try to put the TV screen on a wall or piece of furniture that faces away from a light source. Using a soft light bulb can also help keep glare at a minimum.
Why the Path to Your TV Matters
Now, think about the path from your chair or couch to the TV. This area should be clean and clear so there’s no possibility of you tripping while walking in between. Keep all cords tucked away so no one can trip over them. A clear path will reduce the risk of falling which is a serious concern for older viewers.
How You Can Adjust Your Viewing Angle
If you have friends over, or you want to sit a chair off to one side of the set, you could install the TV on a wall mount that tilts or on a swivel stand that some TV manufacturers provide. This would allow you to safely move the TV so it’s facing a different chair. (Never try to move a TV that’s not on a swivel or tilt; trust me on this one. I have personal experience of watching a TV fall to the floor when my young daughter tried to do it.)
I hope these tips help you best enjoy your TV, whether it’s a new one or not, and keep you safe while doing it. If you would like to share your experience bringing a new TV home, click on the Green button on this page and record your comments.
Happy viewing and stay safe!
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Who Is The TV Answer Man?
The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered television for more than three decades.
