What changes occur in the sensory system as it ages?

As individuals age, various physiological changes affect their sensory systems, particularly hearing. One of the most common changes is a loss of ability to hear high-pitched sounds, a condition known as presbycusis. This age-related decline in hearing can impact the ability to perceive higher frequency noises, which are typically associated with many sounds in everyday life, such as the voices of children or certain birds. This hearing loss occurs due to natural degeneration within the inner ear structures and auditory pathways in the brain.

Other options presented describe scenarios that do not align with typical age-related sensory changes. For example, the ability to distinguish smells and tastes generally decreases with age, not increases. Similarly, many older adults experience challenges in seeing in low light due to decreased pupil response and lens clarity, rather than an enhancement of this ability. Reaction times may also slow down as individuals age, influenced by factors like diminished reflexes and cognitive processing speed. Understanding these changes is crucial for caregivers and healthcare professionals in providing appropriate support and communication strategies for older adults.