Enhancing Medication Safety: Evaluating Prescription Label Readability Among the Elderly

This study examines the critical relationship between aging, declining visual acuity, and the readability of prescription labels among older adults. As vision deteriorates with age, the ability to read small-print medication labels becomes increasingly compromised, raising the risk of medication misuse and accidental overdose. The growing number of prescribed medications, coupled with reduced reading capacity, underscores the urgency of addressing this issue. The primary objective of this research is to improve medication safety by enhancing the readability of prescription labels for the elderly. Key focus areas include optimizing label design through the use of legible fonts, clear warning indicators, and comprehensive yet accessible medication information. A survey-based methodology was employed, with questionnaires distributed to respondents aged 45 to 65 across five participating clinics. Participants were selected based on self-reported low vision and difficulty reading standard printed materials without assistive devices. This targeted sampling provides valuable insights into the visual and cognitive challenges faced by older patients. The anticipated outcomes include immediate improvements in safe medication use and long-term enhancements in labelling practices within local healthcare settings. By prioritizing label readability, this research aims to foster safer medication practices and improve the overall healthcare experience for the aging population.