Assessment of sensory function in the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project.
OBJECTIVE
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Schumm
L Philip
LP
Department of Health Studies, University of Chicago, 4841 South Maryland Avenue MC2007, Chicago, IL 40437, USA. pschumm@uchicago.edu
McClintock
Martha
M
Williams
Sharon
S
Leitsch
Sara
S
Lundstrom
Johan
J
Hummel
Thomas
T
Lindau
Stacy Tessler
ST
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D015982:Bias; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006309:Hearing; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values; D012677:Sensation; D012684:Sensory Thresholds; D012903:Smell; D012919:Social Behavior; D013649:Taste; D014110:Touch; D014481:United States; D014785:Vision, Ocular