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ingredients . Researchers at Virginia Tech found that as people age , they ’ re less likely to detect chemicals such as iron in their drinking water . These compounds give the water a metallic flavor that older people can ’ t taste , which puts them at risk for overexposure to iron and copper — a possible risk factor for Alzheimer ’ s disease .
How to Make Meals More Enjoyable So what can you do to counteract the loss of taste as you get older ? First , check with your doctor to rule out any medical conditions that are causing you to lose your sense of taste . If it ’ s a medical condition , treatment may be available . If the loss of taste is due to normal aging , there really aren ’ t any known cures to reverse it , Gerbstadt says . But there are things you can do to keep it from interfering with your health or your enjoyment of life :
Make meals social events . Eat with other seniors or at extended-family celebrations , potluck dinners , and community meals , Gerbstadt says . You ’ re more likely to eat well and get proper nutrition when you ’ re having a good time with
family and friends . Shut-ins also can benefit from continued on next page