The Human Senses and Elderly
Glenda Peña-Portillo*, Ivania Rodríguez-Álvarez, Cira Duarte-García and Olga Zerquera-González
Published: July 10, 2022
Abstract
The loss of human senses is one of the many consequences of aging. This new way of coping with life sometimes makes the elderly vulnerable to disease, especially when it comes to the gastrointestinal system.
The onset of anorexia, malabsorption, hypertension or diabetes are closely related to poor nutrition that can lead to the loss of the sense of taste or smell; an endless cycle between age, sensory losses and poor nutrition.
In Cuba, the population over 65 years of age has been increasing over time, being at this moment one of the most aged countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Studies on nutrition in the elderly, as well as the creation of new products for this age group have been increasing. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the whole process of sensory losses and their influence on nutrition.