Can Your Sense of Smell Determine How Long You Will Live?
Written by Susan Parker | Updated on May 28, 2025
Reviewed by Susan Parker
11 sources cited
The loss of your sense of smell not only reduces the pleasure of tasting food and smelling scents, and impairs the ability to remember smell-related memories, but it can also put your health at risk. Furthermore, this is a common problem that affects around a quarter of people over 50 years old.
It exposes you to certain clear dangers. People who have lost most or all of their sense of smell are nearly twice as likely to miss a gas leak or fire, consume spoiled food, or ingest harmful substances.
However, today I am not discussing those kinds of health risks. Recent studies suggest that the diminishing sense of smell is seemingly linked to an elevated risk of death in unexpected ways...
Overview
- The loss of smell impacts about 25% of individuals over 50 and can pose significant health dangers.
- Research shows that smell loss is correlated with a higher mortality risk, predicting death more accurately than some major illnesses.
- Maintaining regular exercise and ensuring adequate zinc intake can help preserve the sense of smell.
- Engaging in smell training using essential oils may improve olfactory function and offer defense against smell loss over time.
Predicts Death More Accurately Than Cancer
A study by the University of Chicago involved 3,003 individuals aged between 57 and 85. They were tested on their ability to recognize scents like fish, orange, peppermint, leather, and roses.
Among the 430 individuals who passed away in the following five years, almost four out of ten had performed poorly on the test, compared to two deaths per ten individuals with moderate performance and one death per ten individuals with a keen sense of smell.
This suggests that individuals with a weakened sense of smell – known as hyposmia – were nearly four times more likely to die within five years compared to those who correctly identified all five scents.
The study considered various factors that could affect the outcomes, such as age, physical activity, disease, socioeconomic status, and more. Despite these factors, the loss of smell was a more precise predictor of death than a diagnosis of cancer, heart failure, or lung disease.
In a recent study released in March, researchers from Sweden evaluated the olfactory function of 1,774 individuals aged 40 to 90 and followed up ten years later.
Over the decade, almost a quarter had passed away. Even after accounting for differences in age, gender, education, health, including dementia, the ability to smell odors was linked to the risk of death.
Each incorrect response out of the 13 fragrances tested raised the mortality risk. People with complete loss of smell (anosmia) had a death risk nearly 20% higher than those with normal function.
Lead researcher Dr. Jonas Olofsson said, “Our findings were not explained by dementia... Instead, the risk of death was uniquely predicted by loss of smell. The sense of smell seems to be a good indicator of aging brain health. We see smell function as a warning sign.”
Tips To Preserve Your Sense of Smell
Since parts of the olfactory system regenerate continuously, maintaining the sense of smell throughout your lifetime should be achievable.
The reasons for a gradual decline are not entirely clear but could be due to the exposure of the olfactory nerve to the open air. This direct pathway may allow toxins and pathogens to reach the brain and cause harm over time.
Alternatively, the stem cells that renew the olfactory nerve may stop functioning, indicating a lack of self-repair capability in the body.
Despite the causes, there are measures that can be taken to maintain this ability:
- Participate in some form of physical activity. A significant study found that even sweating once a week reduced the risk of olfactory impairment.
- Ensure you have sufficient zinc levels, as it produces an enzyme essential for smell. Good sources include chicken, lamb, grass-fed beef, pumpkin seeds, cashews, chickpeas, mushrooms, and spinach.
- Regularly expose yourself to scents. While the concept of training to enhance smell function may seem unusual, it is similar to any other form of training.
Our Perspective
If you are concerned about this issue, it might be wise to consult with a specialist who could recommend a structured olfactory training (OT) program.
In typical OT programs, participants are directed to smell essential oils like rose, eucalyptus, clove, and lemon for ten seconds each, twice a day for three months.
A review of ten such studies concluded that olfactory training was deemed “a promising approach for addressing olfactory dysfunction.”
Summary
The loss of smell is not just a minor inconvenience; it can act as a sign of serious health risks. Research has linked impaired smell to a higher likelihood of death, surpassing the risk associated with a diagnosis of cancer or heart disease. Additionally, smell loss is associated with an increased risk of accidents and may indicate early indications of aging brain health. Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining adequate zinc levels, and practicing smell training with essential oils are potential strategies to help maintain olfactory health and safeguard overall well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is loss of smell connected to higher mortality?
Studies propose that loss of smell may indicate diminishing brain health, potentially contributing to an elevated death risk. While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, it is believed to be a sign of aging and possible neurological decline.
Can losing my sense of smell predict serious ailments?
Yes, research suggests that smell loss may predict conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. It is also linked to a higher mortality risk than certain cancers and heart diseases.
What are some other risks associated with smell loss?
Aside from mortality, smell loss can increase the risk of accidents like failing to detect gas leaks or spoiled food, and reduce overall quality of life by diminishing the enjoyment of food and scents.
How can I maintain or enhance my sense of smell?
Regular physical activity, ensuring sufficient zinc intake, and smell training with essential oils can assist in maintaining olfactory function. Regular exposure to various scents may also boost your sense of smell.
Should I consult a doctor if I notice smell loss?
It is advisable to seek advice from a healthcare professional if you notice a decline in your sense of smell. They may recommend olfactory testing or smell training programs to help improve or preserve this vital sense.
