Salty and sweet are the first tastes to change, and one's appetite may become especially partial to sweet and salty foods. Yet higher salt intake, such as found in processed and restaurant foods, is associated with cardiovascular risks (Hayes, Sullivan, & Duffy, 2010).
In addition, probably half of all 65-years-olds experience a noticeable loss of their sense of smell. Tastes and flavors are almost entirely detected in the nose, so foods no longer taste as delicious. Hayes and Duffy (2008), taste-and-smell researchers, observe that women with a weakened sense of smell are more likely to gain weight as they attempt to satisfy their yearning for flavors or compensate for the loss of flavors with the gratifying texture of fat. One can compensate for the loss of flavors by holding food in the mouth longer or cooking with more flavorful seasonings or by trying new foods. Dr. Duffy also suggests that as preventive measure, middle-ages people get the flu shot each year, because each time one catches the flu, the virus can diminish one's sense of smell!.
Appearance.
Losing teeth or loosening teeth might sound trivial, yet it takes time to become comfortable with a new facial appearance created by extensive dental work-and these procedures are quite costly. During midlife, the gums of the teeth begin to recede, which for some leads to a condition called periodontal disease. This in turn leads to loss of teeth, and dental devices might become necessary. Those who cannot afford dental work are likely to have difficulty eating nutritious foods, and their health may decline (Craddock, Yorke, & Chan, 3007). Some dental experts suggest that regular flossing and brushing and scheduled dental visits can help people keep their won teeth into their nineties.
As the skin loses tone and elasticity, it sags and wrinkles in areas where there is frequent movement, such as the face, neck, and joints. Some people also develop "droopy" eyelids as a result.
