Odour and salt taste identification in older adults: evidence from the Yakumo study in August 2014

Background: This study examined the relationship between olfactory function and taste function. A personal function test was calculated from the Yakumo study database, and the odour stick identification test and salt taste identification test were administered to healthy elderly people. The participants were community dwellers who voluntarily participated in the Yakumo Study and had managed everyday life by themselves. Totally, 358 people (152 male, 206 female) participated in Yakumo–cho inhabitant’s examination of 2014. The average age of 152 male was 65.2±9.4 years old (40–80 years old). We used Sal save (product made in Advantec Co. Ltd.) for an examination of taste. We used Smelling stick (product made in Daiichi Kogyo Co. Ltd.) for olfactometry. In addition, the average age of 206 female was 63.7±10.6 years old (40–85 years old).The results showed that the performance score on odour identification test was better in female participants than male participants. The results of the salt taste identification test showed that the recognition of salt density was lower in female participants than in male participants. Because taste and olfactory cognitive abilities decline with age, the development of meals for the elderly requires a new approach. Meals for the elderly should be healthy, with a strong fragrance and a light taste of salt.