Middle Age Changes for Taste and Touch, 55+ Community Choices, Smart Home Reality Check 7-22-25

We discussed the impact of aging on the senses, focusing on taste and touch. Ray Gordon highlighted that taste changes in middle age due to reduced taste buds and olfactory receptors, suggesting hydration and nutrient-rich diets for taste and smell, as well as physical therapy to improve the performance of proprioception receptors in one’s feet. 

Host Linda Sherman referenced Victoria Villa in Davie Florida which provides places to walk outside on their property. She visited there often to get her Dad outside before he passed at 91.

Benjamin Surmi emphasized the importance of family involvement in healthcare decisions for senior living residents, noting that physical therapy and wellness programs can significantly enhance quality of life. 

Elizabeth Magallon Fleury shared insights on moving to 55+ communities, stressing considerations of downsizing, social engagement, and financial planning. The discussion also touched on the challenges of integrating technology for older adults.

Presented by Ray Gordon, Architect, Urban Planner, Futurist and Former Pratt Institute Grad School Professor
AARP Magazine Spring Health Special How Middle Age Changes our Ability to See, Hear, Taste, Smell and Touch by Nicole Pajer
Apple Access: https://apple.news/ApOF9NJeBSyKgTkjiLGF1tw
Ray presented in three parts. Today's part 3 is taste and touch.

Discussing walking in grass, Linda referred to Victoria Villa and Linda's Dad. Scroll down towards bottom of the memoriam photos for multiple shots of Howard with Linda at Victoria Villa and with Paty Renda (who joined us for our 5-25-23 fitness show). Linda hired Paty to come in and provide Howard with regular stretch and strength movement guidance sessions.

Presented by Benjamin Surmi, Koelsch Communities
Forbes 7-21-25 AI Smart Home Reality Check by Dr. Joe Coughlin
https://www.forbes.com/sites/josephcoughlin/2025/07/21/ai-is-reimagining-retirement-but-whos-plugging-it-in/

Presented by Elizabeth Magallon Fleury, CAPS, Life's Encore Planning
AARP 7-9-25 Seven Questions to Ask Before Moving to a 55+ Community by Matt Swenson
https://www.aarp.org/home-living/is-over-55-community-right-for-you.html

We referred to the News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club podcast on 7-1-25 where we spoke about Joe Coughlin’s 6-23-25 article about considering weather when choosing a place to retire.

Articles are listed in the order they were presented and discussed.

Discussion hosted by: Linda Sherman and Ray Gordon 

BoomerTechTalk.com episode page

7-22-25 LinkedIn Show Post

Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction
• 2:44 Middle Age Changes for Taste and Touch
• 34:59 Smart Home Reality Check
• 46:29 55+ Community Choices