This consumer group struggles with current packaging, finding it hard to open, use, and close –
even when utilized daily. However, readability is the most crucial factor for aging consumers regarding packaging and labeling.
Unintentional medication overdose is a huge health issue for the aging consumer, linked to package design being challenging to open or generally confusing to read.
Nonprescription drug use is increasing, and 42 % of U.S. adults regularly take at least one OTC medication (Wolf). With 1.5 million adverse drug incidents reported annually and 178,000 hospitalizations each year, medication errors are a significant patient safety issue at an estimated cost of $1 billion (Endestad).
Most OTC pain medications fall into one of two categories: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen.
Typically, NSAIDs treat chronic (long-term) health problems like arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis,
osteoarthritis) and lupus, but they can also decrease inflammation, and reduce fever, swelling,
and redness.
Doctors consider acetaminophen (Tylenol), which is not an NSAID, to be the best option for older
adults to ease minor pain. When acetaminophen isn’t enough, aging consumers find it suitable
to use an additional NSAID such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve).
Frequent use of NSAIDs can cause adverse side effects.
Opening medication bottles can be difficult for
aging consumers with arthritis or other strength
and grip impairments.
Pfizer Inc. addressed these concerns by working with Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) to
develop an easy-to-open yet child-resistant container and cap for one of its prescription
rheumatoid arthritis medicines.
The researchers recommended selecting a non-cylindrical container that would be easier to grasp
and coating the lid with rubber-like thermoplastic elastomer to increase the friction between the
cap and the hand holding it, making it easier to hold and rotate.
“A bottle with flat sides is less likely to rotate in
the user’s hand when it is being grasped, so
the user doesn’t need to apply as much force
to stabilize the bottle in the hand while turning
the cap.”
- Brad Fain, a GTRI principal research scientist
