Assessed the olfactory acuity of 120 6-94 yr olds by means of magnitude production in a simple motor task. 7 concentrations of n-propanol, ranging from 100 to 1.56%, served as odorants. Remarkable consistency across concentrations was found in Ss of all ages, those in the younger and older age groups generating the most similar functions. Evidence of olfactory decline in the oldest Os was lacking, suggested only by the greater incidence of nonresponse at weaker concentrations in the intermediate 40-50 yr group. It is proposed that phylogenetically and ontogenetically early sensitivities (e.g., olfaction and touch) are likely to be among the last to decline when the organism is under stress as, for example, in aging. (27 ref)
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