Why Do I Taste and Smell Things Less?

These senses tend to weaken with age. Here’s why it happens and what you can do about it

Adam Rosenbluth, M.D.,

AARP

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Published January 12, 2026

line drawing on a blue background showing a man in an apron smelling a tray of fresh cookies. He holds them high while a small child stands below him with arms raised

James Yates

Why can’t I smell and taste the way I used to?

When food tastes bland or you realize you’re no longer smelling your morning coffee, it can be pretty disconcerting.

But age-related changes in smell and taste are surprisingly common. The National Institutes of Health report that nearly 1 in 4 Americans over age 40 have some change in their sense of smell, and that prevalence rises with age. More than half of folks between the ages of 65 and 80 experience a measurable loss of smell.

Taste changes are also frequent, with roughly 19 percent of adults over 40 and 27 percent of those over age 80 reporting that they experience altered taste. Interestingly, most notice that sweet and salty flavors fade first.

Numbers aside, what’s going on? A key reason is a natural decline of the nerves and receptors that are responsible for those senses. Our taste buds and olfactory (smell) nerve cells weaken over time, and because much of what we perceive as taste actually comes from smell, a diminished sense of smell can make food seem dull and unappetizing.

A sudden loss of smell or taste can signal something else, such as a viral infection. It could be a common cold, the flu or COVID. In those cases, the change is often temporary, though if there’s persistent loss it may warrant medical attention.

Medications can also interfere with our ability to taste and smell. For instance, over-the-counter antihistamines, anti-inflammatories like Advil or Aleve, nasal sprays and even certain supplements such as zinc or iron can alter how food tastes or smells. It’s another good reason to always review your medications with your doctor if you notice any changes.

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Then there are structural issues, such as nasal polyps or chronic sinus infections, both of which can block airflow and impair smell. Removing polyps or treating infections can sometimes restore our senses. Nutrient deficiencies, especially lack of vitamin B12 and vitamin D, can also contribute, because they affect nerve health. B12 deficiency in particular is common among older adults because they don't absorb it as quickly. Your doctor can check this out with a simple blood test.

As you may have noticed, changes in smell and taste are more than an annoyance — they can also affect your appetite, weight, nutrition and even safety. Think about it: Loss of smell makes it harder to detect spoiled food, smoke or gas leaks. Diminished taste can cause people to eat less, or, conversely, over-season their food with salt or sugar, which can worsen conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Chronic taste and smell changes can even contribute to depression and weight loss, particularly in older adults.

If you’re experiencing these issues, simple strategies can help you enjoy food more and maintain your nutrition. Try incorporating fresh herbs, spices, citrus or naturally flavored oils into meals to enhance their flavor. Bright-colored vegetables and varied textures can make food more appealing. If protein intake is a concern, smoothies made with fruit and protein-rich ingredients are nutritious and easy to drink.

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Regular checkups with your health care provider are essential. They can identify whether medications, vitamin deficiencies, sinus conditions or other medical problems are contributing to your sensory decline. In some cases, an ear, nose and throat specialist, called an otolaryngologist, can help you restore or compensate for lost function. Smell training therapy, which consists of repeated exposure to specific scents over time, has also shown promise for some people.

While changes in smell and taste may be noticeable, they needn’t erase your ability to enjoy your world. You may still be able to take in the freshness of rain on the pavement, the smoothness of a favorite hand lotion or the crispness of a fresh apple, even if the aromas or flavors are subtler than before. Paying attention to these quieter moments often rekindles appreciation. With small adjustments and occasional medical guidance, your senses can continue to add richness to your daily life.

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