Age-Related Changes in Taste and Smell: What You Need to Know for a Healthy Lifestyle

What changes occur to taste and smell as you age?

· Taste buds decrease in number and size- age 50 for men, age 40 for women· 50%of adults over 60 haveo Reduction in sensory cellso Reduction in neurotransmitter levelso Olfactory membrane changesReduction of hippocampus

As we age, our taste and smell senses will change. The ability to detect odors will usually begin to decline from around age 60. Here are some changes that can occur to taste and smell as you age:

1. Smell:
– The number of olfactory receptors in the nose can decrease over time, leading to a reduced ability to detect odors.
– The sense of smell can become less sensitive to certain smells, such as those related to food, smoke or chemicals.
– Damage to the olfactory receptors can occur due to infections, medications, or exposure to toxins.

2. Taste:
– Taste buds can lose sensitivity over time, making some flavors less noticeable.
– The number of taste buds can also decrease, especially for bitter and sweet taste receptors.
– Aging can change the ability to taste sourness or saltiness, with some people noticing a decreased response.

Overall, these changes can lead to a decreased enjoyment of eating and drinking. It can also have an impact on our sense of safety, as we rely on our sense of smell to detect harmful substances or gas leaks. It is important to be aware of these changes and take steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle to help prevent further deterioration.

More Answers: