Testing Standards for Elderly-Friendly Packaging

 

Elderly-friendly packaging ensures that older adults, especially those with reduced dexterity, grip strength, or vision impairment, can easily access products without compromising safety. These packaging designs must balance ease of opening for seniors while maintaining product protection and, in some cases, child-resistant (CR) features.

Several international testing standards define the usability requirements for elderly-friendly packaging, ensuring compliance with accessibility guidelines.

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1. Key International Standards for Elderly-Friendly Packaging

A. ISO 17480 – Packaging Accessibility Guidelines for Seniors

• This standard provides design principles and testing procedures to ensure packaging is accessible to older adults.
• Focuses on ease of opening, readability, grip strength requirements, and usability.
• Includes ergonomic considerations such as tear force, twist strength, and visual clarity of instructions.

B. ISO 8317 – Child-Resistant Packaging (Including Senior Use Effectiveness)

• Although designed for child-resistant packaging, this standard includes testing to ensure that at least 90% of adults aged 50-70 can successfully open and properly reclose the package.
• Evaluates twist caps, push-and-turn mechanisms, and blister pack usability.

C. 16 CFR 1700.20 – U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Standard

• This U.S. regulation applies to child-resistant packaging but mandates that 90% of seniors (50-70 years old) must be able to open it within 5 minutes.
• Ensures that child-resistant mechanisms are not overly restrictive for older adults.

D. ASTM D3475 – Classification of Child-Resistant Packaging

• Includes classification for senior-friendly child-resistant packaging to balance safety and accessibility.
• Helps manufacturers select materials and closure mechanisms that work well for seniors.

E. EN 15823 – Ease of Opening for Packaging

• A European standard that defines methods for testing the ease of opening packaging, including for elderly users.
• Assesses tear strength, twisting force, and readability of opening instructions.

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2. Testing Methods for Elderly-Friendly Packaging

A. Senior Use Effectiveness Test (SUT) – ISO 8317 & CFR 1700.20

• Conducted with 100 adults aged 50-70 years.
• Participants attempt to open and properly reclose the package within 5 minutes.
• 90% success rate is required for the package to pass.

B. Grip Strength and Dexterity Test – ISO 17480

• Measures the force required to open the package.
• Ensures that twist caps, pull-tabs, and tear strips require minimal strength.

C. Readability and Labeling Test – EN 15823

• Evaluates font size, contrast, and clarity of instructions to ensure easy reading for seniors.
• Commonly used for pharmaceutical and food packaging.

D. Tactile and Sensory Feedback Testing

• Ensures easy-to-feel texture cues for seniors with reduced vision.
• Includes embossed symbols, raised opening tabs, and audible clicks for confirmation.

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3. Design Considerations for Elderly-Friendly Packaging

• Easy-grip surfaces to improve handling.
• Large, high-contrast text for better readability.
• Minimal force required for opening (low torque caps, easy-peel lids).
• Clear, step-by-step opening instructions with diagrams.
• Ergonomic blister pack designs with easy-push tablets.

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Conclusion

Elderly-friendly packaging must meet ISO 17480, ISO 8317, CFR 1700.20, and EN 15823 standards to ensure accessibility and ease of use while maintaining product integrity. By incorporating usability testing, ergonomic design, and clear labeling, manufacturers can create senior-friendly packaging that enhances convenience and compliance.