Aging and Olfactory Decline: How Smell Changes Over Time

The often-overlooked sense

As we age, most people expect changes in hearing, vision, and mobility—but few consider the slow shift that happens with our sense of smell. This process, known as olfactory decline, is both common and natural.

For many, the change is gradual and subtle. But for others, it can affect daily life more than expected—impacting everything from how food tastes to how we connect with memories or detect danger (like smoke or gas).

How the olfactory system works

To understand how smell changes with age, it helps to know how the system works. When you breathe in, scent molecules enter the nose and bind to olfactory receptors in a special area called the olfactory epithelium. These receptors send signals to the olfactory bulb, which then communicates with parts of the brain tied to emotion, memory, and conscious recognition.

This system is delicate. It relies on healthy receptors, clear airflow, and sharp brain signaling—all of which can change with age.

What happens to the sense of smell as we age

Starting around age 60 (and sometimes earlier), many people begin to notice a reduced ability to detect and identify smells. This condition, called presbyosmia, affects a large percentage of older adults.

Here are some of the key changes that contribute:

• Fewer olfactory receptors—the cells that detect odor molecules regenerate less frequently.
  

• Thinner olfactory epithelium—the surface in the nose that captures scent molecules becomes less active.
  

• Reduced airflow—structural changes in the nose can limit how well air (and scent molecules) reach receptors.
  

• Brain processing changes—the brain may become slower at decoding scent signals or linking them to memories.

How smell loss affects quality of life

While it may seem minor at first, reduced smell can have a surprisingly wide impact:

• Less enjoyment of food—flavor is tied closely to scent, so meals may seem bland or unappetizing.
  

• Safety concerns—people may not notice smoke, spoiled food, or gas leaks.
  

• Emotional changes—scent is closely tied to memory and emotion. Losing that connection can feel isolating.
  

• Social and hygiene awareness—changes in scent perception can make it harder to manage personal hygiene or detect environmental odors.
  
  

For some, olfactory decline can also be an early sign of neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease, making it an important change to watch.

What can help?

While age-related smell loss is common, some steps may support olfactory health:

• Stay active and engaged—general brain health supports sensory function.
  

• Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals or smoking—this can damage receptors.
  

• Practice “smell training”—gently sniffing familiar scents (like citrus, mint, rose, or clove) daily may help maintain awareness.
  

• Use scent intentionally—while you may not smell everything as strongly, keeping pleasant scents in your space can still bring comfort and familiarity.

Scent and aging deserve more attention

Smell is often taken for granted—until it begins to fade. As we age, understanding the changes in our olfactory system helps us adjust and stay connected to the world around us.

Even with some decline, scent still holds power. It connects us to memory, enhances our daily experiences, and brings comfort in ways that are deeply personal. Paying attention to how it changes with age is one small way to support dignity, safety, and well-being as we grow older.