The Font is Too Damn Small

Subtitle: And it’s not your eyesight. It’s bad design.

You’re not imagining it. The fonts have gotten smaller. On pill bottles. On shampoo labels. On essential documents, where the instructions could literally be a matter of life or death. Why? Because someone, somewhere, decided that “sleek and modern” means tiny and grey.

Here’s the problem: Older eyes need contrast, clarity, and legibility. That doesn’t mean you’re “fading.” It means your pupils don’t dilate as fast, and your lenses filter light differently. It’s called biology. What’s their excuse?

So, what can you do?

• Use your voice (and email): Contact companies that make it hard to read their products. Tell them why it matters.

• Print smarter: Invest in a simple, senior-friendly label maker or adjust your printer settings to a larger font for medications and mail.

• Magnifier apps: Your phone can be your eyes—apps like Magnifying Glass + Flashlight are great for menus and forms.

• Leave reviews: Public feedback works. Especially when it’s polite, pointed, and gets likes.

Bottom line: It’s not “just aging.” Its design that forgot you exist. Let’s change that—one label at a time.