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Updated: Jan 9, 2026
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A Free-breathing fMRI Method to Study Human Olfactory Function
Published on: July 30, 2017
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Associations between physical and cognitive activities and olfactory function in older adults
Biye Wang1, Tao Tao1, Wei Guo1
1College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Province, China.
I-Perception
|December 1, 2025
Summary
Maintaining good olfactory function in older adults is crucial for safety and wellbeing. Engaging in both physical and cognitive activities together may best preserve the sense of smell as we age.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Sensory Science
Background:
- Olfactory function is essential for daily life and safety, but declines with age.
- Previous research indicates physical activity benefits olfaction, but cognitive activity's role is less understood.
- The combined impact of physical and cognitive engagement on aging olfaction requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between physical activity, cognitive activity, and olfactory function in older adults.
- To examine how these activities relate to specific olfactory domains: identification, sensitivity, and memory.
- To determine if combined physical and cognitive engagement offers synergistic benefits for olfactory preservation.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study design involving 583 community-dwelling older adults.
- Assessment of physical activity levels, cognitive engagement, and three distinct domains of olfactory function.
- Statistical analysis to identify associations between lifestyle activities and olfactory performance.
Main Results:
- Both physical and cognitive activities were positively correlated with overall olfactory performance.
- Physical activity showed the strongest association with olfactory identification.
- Cognitive activity was most strongly linked to olfactory memory.
- Individuals with moderate-to-high levels of both activities demonstrated superior overall olfactory scores.
Conclusions:
- A lifestyle incorporating both physical and cognitive engagement may be beneficial for preserving olfactory function in aging.
- These findings highlight the potential for lifestyle interventions to support sensory health and quality of life in older adults.
- Maintaining olfaction through combined activities has implications for enhancing autonomy and safety in later life.
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