Had we kept seniors in mind while designing a Package?

Being Packaging professional have we ever thought of the problems faced by elderly people while designing a package, especially medicines. There are lot many surveys which are done time to time for finding the answer of this question.

Here is a reference chart from WHO report showing number of people over 60 years set to be doubled by 2050. Study says, more than 50% of consumers between the ages of 60 and 70, nearly 60% of those between 70 and 80 years old, and a whopping 66% of those over 80 report difficulties with current packaging.

It is found that ageing-related changes – such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, vision loss, memory loss and reduction in physical strength & flexibility – made seniors more at risk of experiencing problems when buying packaged goods.Some of the risks are postulated below:

1. Due to arthritis & osteoarthritis seniors remain unable to open, close and dispense the product from package. In case of medicines this problem can cause inappropriate dosage form and make it difficult to administer the drugs.
2. Vision loss made it difficult to read packaging label which create a problem while purchasing the product. It is a reason of wrong medication and dosing.
3. Memory loss is also a critical issue while taking medication. These problem cause dosages skip and overdose.

The solutio to above problems is senior friendly packaging, which is designed to solve the problems of elderly people. It is found that this problem can be solved by providing features like easy opening and easy readability to the consumer. For this there are lot many innovations which industry is focusing?

Below are few rigid packaging innovations which are focused to solve these issues

• DoseSmart is a patented and portable Smart Pill Bottle that stores, dispenses and tracks prescription medication. The device is designed for both Patient adoption and Care. This is a mobile reminder system which provides a 4 stage reminder system. Starting with an alarm and notification, followed 15 minutes later by a SMS text message, then an email at 30 minutes, and finally a phone call after 45 mins. If patient take medication at any time during this process, the reminders will stop, so they will only get the reminders that is needed.

• REMIND-A-CAP is a patented groundbreaking pill bottle cap that puts control in the user's hands. It's a simple device that allows an individual to easily set the next date of intake by simply turning a knob present inside of closure. By doing so queues up the day and time the next dose is needed in a small window on the top of the cap, which acts as the reminder.

• Glow cap is an easy-to-use, comprehensive medication adherence system comprised of a smart cap and bottle, along with a mobile application and a Medication Adherence Portal. Automated visual and audible alerts during scheduled dosage windows signal that it is time for the user to take his or her medications. At the user’s request, adherence information may be shared with clinicians, care managers, and trusted family and friends.

• A magnifier lid transformed in a magnifying glass, which makes reading the particular instructions easier for low vision and arthritic hands. It is an integrated part of the bottle so it is easy to use and also convenient to carry.

• Top Twister is an opening aid for containers that fits closures from 20 to 38 mm. It incorporates “push-turn” opening instructions. This device can be used with either child-resistant or standard closures. Top Twister gives the user a large surface area where they can use the palm of their hand as opposed to their fingers to open containers.