About us

The Swedish Rheumatism Association is a national non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of people living with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. We work to promote research, provide support and information, and advocate for accessibility and inclusion in society. Our mission is to ensure that individuals affected by these conditions can lead active, independent lives. The Swedish Rheumatism Association, founded in 1945, is the largest patient association in Sweden. We are Sweden’s largest patient association, with nearly 40,000 members and around 160 local branches across the country. We are alsoone of the largest contributors to rheumatology research in Sweden.

Why we work with testing and certification of packaging and products

For our members, hard-to-open packaging is a major problem in everyday life. Being unable to open, for example, a food or medicine package without asking for help is a daily reality for many of them. We strive to assist and encourage the packaging industry and others to develop products that also work for people with reduced hand function. When sharp tools or assistance are needed to open a food or medicine package, something is wrong. For many people, this is an everyday problem—not only for our members and those with arthritis, but also for a large group of consumers who, for various reasons, have reduced hand function and grip strength. There are several causes that affect hand function, such as diabetes, MS, spinal cord injuries or the aftermath of a stroke. Most notably, hand strength and dexterity decline as we age; by the age of 60, grip strength already begins to deteriorate.