How Taste and Smell Are Affected As You Age

You’re not alone if you’ve noticed that your favorite foods aren’t as scrumptious as you remember or that it’s harder to smell your favorite things. In fact, changes in taste and smell are a natural part of getting older. Here’s how taste and smell are affected as you age (and what you can do about it). 

Changes in Sense of Taste

As you age, it’s common to experience changes in taste. Often, this is simply due to the number of taste buds in your mouth decreasing. So if you find your food seems to lack flavor, that may be the cause. 

However, there are many other causes of change in taste, too. So it’s always important to let your physician know that you’re experiencing a change in taste. Here are some of the conditions that may lead to changes in taste as you age:

• Dental issues

• Medications

• Cancer treatments

• Smoking

• Alcohol

• Dry mouth

• COVID-19 and other viruses

Changes in Sense of Smell

Your sense of smell also changes as you age and is intricately linked with your sense of taste. You’ve probably noticed, for example, that you can’t taste foods as well when you have a stuffy nose. That’s because both senses act upon your olfactory nerves to help your brain identify smells, flavors, textures, and temperatures. But as you age, you lose some of the fibers in your nose that help you perceive smells. 

Some other causes of changes in sense of smell include: 

• Allergies

• COVID-19 and other infections

• Nasal polyps

• Cognitive disorders

• Medications

• Injuries

Potential Problems from Changes in Smell and Taste

Experiencing changes in taste and smell can impact your health and quality of life. For example, you may no longer enjoy the smell of your favorite flowers, foods, or perfume. Or you may change your eating habits because of a loss of taste. 

Often, seniors don’t realize they are eating less or adding unhealthy amounts of salt and sugar in order to improve the taste of their food. This can lead to serious health consequences down the road. 

There are also potential safety problems that come along with a loss of smell and taste. For instance, you may not detect important smells like smoke or gas. And you may not realize food has spoiled. 

Ways to Cope with Changes in Smell and Taste

While you may be tempted to think of changes in smell and taste as simply another annoyance that comes with age, it’s important not to dismiss these changes. Sometimes, they are a sign of a serious problem that needs to be treated. And very often, there are things you can do to cope with changes in taste and smell. 

For example, your doctor may refer you to an otolaryngologist to help address changes in smell and taste. And if you have cancer, your doctor can recommend changes to your diet to make food more palatable. Alternatively, if a medication causes changes to taste and smell, you may be able to switch to a new treatment. 

There are also ways to cope at home. For instance, adding herbs and spices can improve the smell and flavor of your food. And bright colors make food more appealing. You may also find that a change in temperature helps with taste and smell. Sometimes you may find iced or cooler meals more appetizing. And eating with friends makes food more enjoyable. 

Changes in taste and smell can be frustrating, but fortunately, they are also manageable. So talk to your doctor if you are experiencing changes in smell or taste. And be sure to let the staff at Normandy know if you have any new dietary needs.