Enjoyment of eating is central to good nutrition. It is a known fact that the sense of taste is connected to the sense of smell. As we age, our sense of smell declines due to a complex set of factors affecting olfactory function. Gaining an understanding of how to accommodate changes in how food tastes can help ensure that we are well-nourished throughout our lifespan.
Age is not the only culprit when it comes to loss or decrease in sense of smell. Other causes of loss of smell, including some which are only temporary, include common colds, allergies, sinus infections, coronavirus infection, nasal polyps, and certain medications as well as serious disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. It is very important to speak to your doctor if you experience a sudden or unexplained decrease in your sense of smell.
As young as 55 years of age, the sense of smell may begin to diminish. While it was previously believed that this decrease generally affected the ability to smell, more research suggests that certain odors are affected more than others.
Research published in the journal Food Quality and Preference found that the decline in the sense of smell was not across the board, but rather pronounced for certain odors more than others. For example, when comparing subjects aged 60-to-98 compared to a control group aged 20-to-39, the ability to smell savory or umami foods like fried meat, mushrooms and onions become weaker with age while the ability to smell orange, raspberry and vanilla did not weaken with age.
While researchers are still trying to better understand age-related changes in smell and taste, it seems that the age-related decline in the taste of certain flavors may be amplified by a decrease in the salty aspect of taste. An age-related impairment in the ability to taste salt, a taste that is often associated with savory, umami flavors, paired with a reduction in the ability to smell these savory foods may lead to an overall weaker ability to taste and enjoy these foods as we age.
Here are some tips to help older loved ones enjoy the eating experience considering potential changes in their sense of smell and taste:
Consider Food Temperature
Taste and enjoyment can be enhanced by ensuring foods are served and eaten at their intended temperatures. Hot foods tend to have a stronger aroma than cold or room temperature foods. Therefore, warm baked chicken may be more flavorful than a chicken salad sandwich.
Experiment with Seasonings
Try different seasonings to pack recipes with a flavor punch. Incorporate herbs, spices, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic and mustard among other ingredients to make food extra delicious. Low-sodium ingredients can boost taste while keeping the meal on track with potential low-sodium diet needs.
Make it a Social Occasion
Part of the enjoyment of eating is connecting with others socially. Unfortunately, older folks can become socially isolated, making meals solo less enjoyable. Eating meals with others at community gatherings, in restaurants and with friends and family can help improve the quality of the overall eating experience.
Add Some Sweetness
Sweet flavors such as fruit appear to remain well-intact later in life. Recipes that incorporate sweet flavors and ingredients like orange chicken, honey glazed ham or tuna salad with apple and dried cranberry may be well-received by those with a declining sense of smell.
Good nutrition is very important for aging adults and finding ways to make healthy eating enjoyable and delicious can help promote optimal health and vitality.
LeeAnn Weintraub, MPH, RD is a registered dietitian, providing nutrition counseling and consulting to individuals, families and organizations. She can be reached by email at RD@halfacup.com.
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July 24, 2021 at 08:52PM
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How to enjoy good food despite age-related changes in senses of smell and taste - Long Beach Press Telegram
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