Tissue loss occurs immediately below the skin. Because the skin loses sensitivity, an older adult may not experience pain until the skin has already been damaged. The need for touch is still there. Consider getting a pet. A pet can meet the need for touch.
Some studies show that older persons who have pets to care for live longer.
By age 70, the number of taste buds decreases to approximately 88. The sense of taste changes slowly. Sweet and salty tastes seem to be the first affected. For older persons, normal seasoning may seem bland. Use of herbs instead of salt may be one answer to increasing the flavor of foods without increasing sodium content, especially for older adults who have high blood pressure.