This issue usually happens for very old remote controls.
A remote control has a similar structure with a classic PC keyboard (non-mechanical).
It has a green plastic board with all the circuits that are pressed by rubber buttons.
What happens is that those circuits that are pressed by the rubber buttons get very dirty from dust and battery liquid, and the result is that they won’t take the commands very easy, you have to push the buttons very hard.
What you can do is to open the remote’s case and clean the green plastic board with a wet napkin.
While you are there, be sure to clean the interior of the case and wash the rubber buttons.
That should be it, your remote control should be as new.