In a collaborative study between the Michigan State University School of Packaging and the Department of Psychology, researchers were able to determine that many individuals do not read the warning labels on their medication bottles, especially in the senior citizen demographic.
According to the study, on average more than 30 percent of consumers 65-years and older take 10 different medications each day. In addition, older individuals are less likely to notice or remember warning labels, allowing for the increased risk of mix ups and mishaps.
Furthermore, the majority of individuals who did notice the warning labels were able to recall them better. The study suggests making these more visible can help enhance consumer safety and knowledge.
“Given our results, we are recommending a complete overhaul of the design and labeling of the ubiquitous amber bottles, which have seen little change since their introduction some 50 years ago,” said Laura Bix, associate professor in Michigan State’s School of Packaging. “Our initial recommendations would be to move all of the warnings from the colored stickers to the main, white label, which 100 percent of the participants read, or to reposition the warnings so that they can be seen from this vantage point.”
This may also be especially relevant to companies that produce health supplements such as vitamins or any other pill or tablet designed to enhance an individual’s well being. By printing clear, customized labels with a Primera LX400 series color label printer that stipulate any directions or warnings that may come with ingesting the product, companies can ensure that they are not furthering the risk that most individuals – especially seniors – face on a daily basis.
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