The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences Advance Access originally published online on June 23, 2009
The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences 2009 64B(Supplement 1):i76-i85; doi:10.1093/geronb/gbp048
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Assessment of Sensory Function in the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project
1 Department of Health Studies
2 Institute for Mind and Biology and Department of Psychology, University of Chicago, Illinois
3 Department of Anthropology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
4 National Opinion Research Center, Chicago, Illinois
5 Monell Chemical Senses Center and Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
6 Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Dresden Medical School, Dresden, Germany
7 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Medicine and the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Illinois
Address correspondence to L. Philip Schumm, MA, Department of Health Studies, University of Chicago, 4841 South Maryland Avenue MC2007, Chicago, IL 40437. Email: pschumm{at}uchicago.edu
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Abstract |
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Objectives: The National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project assessed functioning of all 5 senses using both self-report and objective measures. We evaluate the performance of the objective measures and model differences in sensory function by gender and age. In the process, we demonstrate how to use and interpret these measures.
Methods: Distance vision was assessed using a standard Sloan eye chart, and touch was measured using a stationary 2-point discrimination test applied to the index fingertip of the dominant hand. Olfactory function (both intensity detection and odor identification) was assessed using odorants administered via felt-tip pens. Gustatory function was measured via identification of four taste strips.
Results: The performance of the objective measures was similar to that reported for previous studies, as was the relationship between sensory function and both gender and age.
Discussion: Sensory function is important in studies of aging and health both because it is an important health outcome and also because a decline in functioning can be symptomatic of or predict other health conditions. Although the objective measures provide considerably more precision than the self-report items, the latter can be valuable for imputation of missing data and for understanding differences in how older adults perceive their own sensory ability.
Received July 28, 2008; Accepted February 9, 2009