Question

Older adults tend to eat more salty and sweet foods because ______.

A. They have diminished taste preferences
B. They seek comfort foods
C. They lack awareness of healthier options
D. They have higher metabolism

Answer 1

Older adults may eat more salty and sweet foods to compensate for diminished taste preferences and reduced sense of smell leading to a tendency for food to taste bland.

Step-by-step explanation:

Older adults tend to eat more salty and sweet foods because they have diminished taste preferences and changes in their sense of smell. As humans age, both tasting abilities and the sense of smell decline significantly, particularly after the age of 50. The reduction in the ability of olfactory neurons to replace themselves leads to age-related anosmia, which makes food taste bland to many older adults. This often results in increased seasoning of foods, such as adding more salt, to enhance the flavor that can be sensed on the tongue. However, this increased sodium intake due to compensatory behavior can have detrimental health effects, such as an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases through water retention and higher blood pressure.