Yes. For many people, the sense of smell weakens gradually with age. Smell loss becomes more common from middle age and much more common after sixty and seventy; US government health researchers estimate that a large share of people over eighty have a reduced sense of smell. The change is usually slow, so it often goes unnoticed — people simply find that perfumes seem fainter or that they apply more than they used to. For perfume wearers that has practical consequences: you may be wearing more than you think, and you may enjoy perfumes differently. A sudden change in smell, at any age, is different and should be checked by a doctor.

Why smell changes with age

The cells that detect smells sit high in the nose and are renewed throughout life. With age, that renewal tends to slow, and the number of working receptor cells can fall. Other factors play a part: some medicines and medical treatments, smoking, nasal and sinus problems, and past infections can all affect smell. How the sense works is explained in How Does Smell Work?.

How common is it?

Figures vary between studies, but the direction is consistent. The US National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) reports that smell loss affects a small minority of people in their forties and rises steadily with each decade, to roughly a quarter of people in their seventies and well over a third of those over eighty. Many people with a reduced sense of smell are not aware of it.

A perfume can fade on the shelf or on the skin — or in the nose that smells it.

What it means for wearing perfume

You may be wearing more than you think

If your sense of smell has weakened, a perfume will seem fainter to you than to others — on top of the ordinary adaptation everyone experiences after applying a scent. Count your sprays rather than judging by smell, and ask someone you trust whether it is too much. See Why Can’t I Smell My Own Perfume?.

Some notes may fade first

Sensitivity does not always decline evenly. You may find delicate, fresh or musky notes harder to notice, while stronger, richer notes remain clear. That can change which perfumes you enjoy; a favourite may seem flatter than you remember, even if the bottle is fine. See Why Does My Perfume Smell Different Now?.

Choosing perfume

  • Test with a friend. Another nose helps judge strength and character.
  • Look at the structure, not only strength. A perfume with a clear, well-defined character can be easier to enjoy than a very soft one. See Fragrance Families Explained.
  • Apply consistently — the same number of sprays in the same places. See How to Apply Perfume.
  • Moisturise first. Perfume lasts longer on moisturised skin, and skin tends to become drier with age. See How to Make Perfume Last Longer.

Smell, safety and pleasure

Smell does more than enjoy perfume. It warns of smoke, gas and spoiled food, and contributes most of what we call flavour. Health researchers point out that people with a reduced sense of smell should take extra care with smoke alarms, gas detectors and food dates. Smell is also closely tied to memory and mood, so its loss can affect enjoyment of life. See Why Smells Trigger Memories.

When to see a doctor

Gradual change with age is common. But a sudden loss or change of smell, a change on only one side, smells that are distorted or that are not there, or loss accompanied by other symptoms should be checked by a doctor. This article describes smell and perfume; it is not medical advice.

Common questions

At what age does your sense of smell start to decline?

It varies widely. Smell loss becomes more common from middle age and more so after sixty, but many older people keep a good sense of smell.

Why does my perfume seem weaker as I get older?

Your sense of smell may have weakened, your nose adapts to your own perfume, and dry skin can make perfume fade sooner.

Can smell training help?

Smelling and naming things regularly can sharpen attention to smells. For a medical loss of smell, ask a doctor about options.

Do older people wear too much perfume?

Not necessarily, but a weaker sense of smell makes it easier to over-apply. Counting sprays helps.

Sources

US National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), "Sense of smell among US adults over age 40" (infographic text, smell loss by age group) and its Taste and Smell Program pages, on the decline of the olfactory system’s regenerative capacity with age and advice on safety.