The nose gradually changes over the lifespan. The tip of the nose droops due to thinning of cartilage and weakening of skin. The mucous membrane in the nose becomes thinner and mucous structures atrophy resulting in decreased mucous production and nasal dryness. The sense of smell may be the earliest sensory system to decline, beginning in the 40s. After age 80, there is generally major impairment in the sense of smell; approximately 80% of people over age 80 show impairment. Smell affects the ability to discriminate between fine tastes, such as the difference between turkey and chicken. Related to fine taste is crude taste, the ability to distinguish between sweet, sour, and salty, which is a function of the taste buds in the mouth.

Declining Senses Simulations

Implications for Older Adults

Changes in the ability to smell have consequences for nutrition, safety, personal hygiene, and enjoyment of life. Older people experiencing a decline in smell and taste and may have a reduced ability to detect specific qualities of food. They may have a decreased appetite and/or loss of interest in food. They may lose the ability to detect bad odors such as spoiled food, body odors, or household odors. The person may be less likely to detect warning odors such as a gas leak or smoke.

Consider This

References and Further Resources

Articles & Reports

Corso JF. (1971). Sensory processes and age effects in normal adults. Journal of Gerontology, 26 (1): 90-105.

Larsson, Maria, Finkel, Deborah & Pedersen Nancy L. (2000). Odor identification: influences of age, gender, cognition, and personality. Journals of Gerontology: Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 55B (5): P304-P310.

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (1997). Because you asked about smell and taste disorders. Bethesda, MD: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/pubs_st/smltaste.htm

Schmall, Vicky L. (1993). Sensory changes in later life. Oregon State University Extension and Experiment Station Communications.
http://eesc.orst.edu/agcomwebfile/edmat/pnw196.pdf

Steinberg, J. (1995). Graying of the senses, Journal of National Institutes of Health Research, 7 (4): 32-33.