The warning comes ahead of a seminar that Age UK will be hosting on 5 May which will explore accessibility of packaging for older people.
An Age UK survey, published last year, shows that nearly half of over-65s can struggle to take lids or caps off products such as plastic milk bottles or jars because of packaging (48%) and over half have difficulty reading the instructions on food products as the print is too small (54%).
Speaking to Packaging News, Age UK group product development general manager Mark Gettinby said: "Some types of packaging technical solutions are almost in a bullet proof format – some of it is really tough stuff.
"We are working with a major retailer who is interested at developing 'frustration-free' packaging.
"There are signs that this issue is being addressed but more needs to be done.
"We are all going to have this problem when we get older. This a great opportunity for manufacturers to develop a unique selling point in what can be a commoditised market. This can give a company a head start in front of their competitors if they get this right."
The seminar will be hosted by the engage business network, a membership organisation run by age UK which is designed to help businesses understand the needs of older people. The event will see members of the business community come together to discuss the main issues involving packaging, such as 'What progress has industry made? What does accessible packaging mean for corporate businesses and consumer?'
The news of the seminar comes as new European guidelines on the openability of packaging are due to be launched this month. The technical specification, 'Packaging – Ease of opening – Criteria and test methods for evaluation consumer packaging,' will be available early this month.
The technical document will give guidance on how to evaluate whether a packaging design can be classed as easy to open by a "large majority" of consumers.
Gettinby said that the Age UK seminar will explore the barriers of packaging and packaging design that is cost-effective and requires low strength to open.
He added: "Last year, people aged over 65 spent more than £100bn on products – they have got spending power.
"This is a big issue it is something which is a great opportunity for those who get it right. We are already seeing encouraging signs at the moment and would like to help stimulate debate and get people involved towards providing solutions."
Gettinby appealed for the packaging industry to participate in the seminar.
