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Oct 13, 2025

5 min

Does your sense of smell get better with age? Exploring age-related changes

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), nearly 1 in 4 Americans over age 40 report some alteration in their sense of smell, with rates increasing significantly after age 60. Unfortunately, the short answer to “does your sense of smell get better with age?” is no; instead, it naturally declines, a condition known as presbyosmia. However, understanding the causes and adopting proactive strategies can help manage the changes and minimize their impact on your health and safety.

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Oct 12, 2025

5 min

Why is smell impairment common in old age?

According to the National Institute on Aging, some loss of taste and smell is natural as you get older, especially after age 60. This age-related decline, known as presbyosmia, is a complex process caused by several changes within the olfactory system, affecting not only quality of life but also safety. This guide explores why smell impairment is common in old age.

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Oct 12, 2025

5 min

Does smell improve with age? A look at how aging affects olfaction

By age 80, over 75% of people experience some form of olfactory impairment. The idea that smell improves with age is a common misconception; in reality, a gradual decline is a natural part of the aging process, a condition known as presbyosmia. This decline can affect appetite, mood, and most importantly, safety, for many seniors.

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Oct 12, 2025

4 min

Does aging affect smell?: The biological and health impacts of olfactory decline

Over 50% of people between the ages of 65 and 80 experience a quantifiable loss of their sense of smell. The decline, medically known as presbyosmia, is a common and normal part of growing older, but it is not a uniform or harmless process and can have significant health implications. This natural deterioration answers the question: **Does aging affect smell?**

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Oct 11, 2025

5 min

The Truth: Do People Smell Less As They Get Older?

According to the National Institutes of Health, over 75% of people over the age of 80 show evidence of a major olfactory impairment. So, do people smell less as they get older? The short answer is yes, and understanding this change is a crucial part of managing senior health and well-being.

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Oct 9, 2025

5 min

What are the racial disparities in olfactory loss among older adults in the United States?

Research consistently shows older Black Americans and Hispanics experience significantly higher rates of smell loss, known as olfactory loss, than older White Americans. This reveals pronounced and complex racial disparities in olfactory loss among older adults in the United States, impacting health and quality of life for minority populations.

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Oct 9, 2025

4 min

Do you lose your sense of smell as you get older? Here's what the science says

According to the National Institutes of Health, over 50% of individuals aged 65 and over experience some impairment in their sense of smell. So, do you lose your sense of smell as you get older? This guide explores the reasons behind this common sensory change.

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Oct 7, 2025

5 min

At what age do you start to lose your sense of smell? Understanding age-related decline

The ability to smell often peaks between the ages of 30 and 60, but more than half of individuals between 65 and 80 experience a measurable decline. We explore the complex question: at what age do you start to lose your sense of smell?

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Oct 7, 2025

4 min

Does your sense of smell get worse as you get older? Here’s what the experts say

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), up to 25% of adults aged 60–69 experience a smell disorder. Yes, your sense of smell does get worse as you get older, but this decline, known as presbyosmia, is often influenced by more than just age.

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Oct 6, 2025

4 min

Does the sense of smell get better with age?

According to the National Institute on Aging, our sense of smell typically diminishes with age, not improves. This gradual decline, known as presbyosmia, is a natural part of the aging process that can impact health, safety, and quality of life. So, does the sense of smell get better with age? For most people, the answer is no, but the experience is not uniform across all individuals or odors.

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