Socioeconomic Status and Olfactory Function in Older Adults

Abstract

This paper investigates whether socioeconomic status (SES) systematically predicts olfactory function in older U.S. adults using data from the second wave of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP). Prior biomedical research has long documented links between smell loss and adverse outcomes such as poor nutrition, reduced social engagement, as well as neurodegenerative diseases and even mortality. However, these relationships have not been examined within an economic framework. This study uses a microeconomic lens to treat olfactory function as an overlooked component of health capital, in order to test whether it follows the well-established socioeconomic gradient observed in other health outcomes. Using data obtained from a validated five-item odor identification test as the primary outcome, my analysis estimates the relationship between olfactory performance and socioeconomic measures of education and income, controlling for demographic characteristics, health behaviors, and environmental hazard. The results provide evidence on whether sensory health reflects broader patterns of socioeconomic inequality. Finally, the paper ventures to explore the potential mechanisms by which socioeconomic status may affect olfaction, including via avoidance of harmful behaviors, environmental conditions, and social network structure.