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Senior Times - February 2026 Page 5CENTENARIANS WANTED!Calhoun County Senior Services is looking for Calhoun County residents age who are turning 99 years or older this year, to participate in the 2026 Centenarian Project.Please Contact Calhoun County Senior Services at 269-781-0846 or by email at rdefinta@calhouncountymi.govCalhoun County Senior Services315 W. Green St.Marshall, MI 49068269-781-0846seniormillage@calhouncountymi.govmuffled sounds. Schedule a visit with your hearing specialist to find out what corrective options are available for you from wax removal to hearing aids. Most hearing aids today are small and computer-programmed to match the individual needs for hearing loss and filter out distracting background noises. They are battery operated, which need regular changing or recharging. Most important, they must be worn to work. They are far more comfortable and compact than ever before. Keep in mind that there is a significant difference between a device that amplifies noise and one that takes corrective action. If hearing aids are no longer helping, a cochlear implant may be an option.Smell %u2013 It could save your life. Primary concerns relate to various health conditions such as viral infections, allergies, or neurological disorders. The person may first recognize reduced mucus in the nose or possibly confusion. Often overlooked, the loss of smell has far-reaching effects on one's quality of life, affecting everything from nutrition to social interactions. Even losing the ability to taste your favorite foods.What to expect over time: After 50 the nerves responsible for smell begin to deteriorate. Your nose also produces less mucus, which means odors don%u2019t always stay in the nose long enough to be detected by nerve endings. A cold, sinus problems, allergies, and antibiotics and other medications can also inhibit smell. Loss of smell occasionally signals something serious, such as a tumor in the nasal passages or even early stages of Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease. By the age of 80, the sense of smell can be nearly 50% less sensitive than in younger yearsBe proactive in healthy living. Avoid substances that cause an allergic reaction. Consider frequent handwashing to prevent colds and other infections. Communicate with your health care providers regarding any medications or supplements you are taking that may be impacting your sense of smell and seek alternatives if possible. Most important, if your sense of smell has slipped, make sure your smoke detectors are in good working order. You may be less able to smell smoke.Taste %u2013 Can I fix it by adding salt?Primary concerns that seem to sneak up over time include the diminished saliva production and food seeming more bland. Do you find yourself adding more sugar or salt? What about more seasoning to add flavors? Loss of taste can lead to unexplained weight loss due to decreased appetite or reduced enjoyment in food. On the flip side adding too much sugar or other flavoring can lead to unwanted weight gain.What to expect over time: Taste also declines after age 50. Your taste buds decrease in number and shrink with age and saliva production declines. All can contribute to this loss. Smoking can also be the culprit. Temporary loss of taste can occur because of illness and medications. A gradual transition from flavorful to bland to complete loss of taste may take many years to occur. If you are a smoker, your sense of taste will improve if you quit. If you have dry mouth, try sucking on ice chips throughout the day and breathing through your nose instead of your mouth. Learning how to add flavor to your food by adding spices and herbs may be a great first step. Ask your health care provider if any medications or supplements are impacting your taste and if there is an alternative. Touch %u2013 Increased awareness is critical. Primary concerns relate to reduced sensitivity. As the sense of touch diminishes it can affect your ability to feel temperature changes or pain, which can increase the risk of injury. Changes in sensitivity can also impact balance making falls more likely.What to expect over time: The sense of touch declines as you age often due to reduced circulation to nerve endings. Consequently, it may be harder to feel pain, tell differences in temperature or even know where your body is in relation to the floor. Nerve damage can also occur from injury or chronic conditions such as diabetes, which may result in not feeling your feet when walking.If you have discovered that your skin is less sensitive to temperature you can set your water heater to a particular temperature to avoid potential burns %u2013 often 125 degrees or lower. If your sensitivity to pain is diminished, check your skin daily for injuries, especially your feet. To help preserve your sense of touch, exercise regularly to improve blood flow. Consider joining a fitness class found at most senior centers. Turn to page 16 to find one near you. Manage chronic conditions with intention, such as keeping your blood sugar in the target range to prevent future damage. While senses gradually decline with age it is important that you do not automatically assume that a loss of sensation is simply part of growing older; a sudden change may be a warning sign of something more serious instead. Schedule a visit with your health care provider when you recognize changes. They may be able to correct it with simple measures, such as a change in medication or new eye glasses, or to diagnose a condition that needs further attention, such as diabetes, Alzheimer%u2019s disease, or Parkinson%u2019s disease. Not taking action can not only impact quality of life, but also increase long-term health risks.Many corrective services are available to those with Medicare, Medicaid, or other insurances. Some out-of-pocket services might seem like they are out of reach, but there are resources that can help. Contact your Area Agency on Aging, Commission on Aging, or Senior Milage program to find out. 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