Scent can be a powerful mechanism to improve cognitive function among seniors. This makes scent marketing an effective tool for senior centres, which can enhance the quality of life for those who live there.
Seniors can benefit from the use of scents to promote cognitive function and improved mental capability in the following ways:
Create A Familiar Environment
Through the use of scents, such as vanilla or lavender, a comforting and calming environment can be crafted for seniors who are living with the onset of dementia. Dementia can be extremely disorienting and can create a significant sense of anxiety.
Calming scents such as these are effective in creating a familiar environment that can put the senior’s mind at ease. This can help improve cognitive function and memory by helping them associate feelings of warmth, comfort, and homeliness with positive memories and emotions.
Stimulate Memories
Scents such as cinnamon, rosemary, or peppermint have been shown to stimulate cognitive function and boost memory recall in all demographics. This can be particularly effective with the elderly. Using aromas through the use of diffusers or sprays inside a senior centre can have a beneficial impact on the brain.
The active compounds inside these scents have been shown to be effective in improving brain function. Peppermint, for example, contains menthol, which has been shown to increase alertness, improve attention, and assist with problem-solving and other cognitive tasks.
Rosemary contains rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Owing to these properties, rosemary has been shown to protect the brain from inflammation and stress caused by oxidation, which can lead to cognitive decline. By infusing a space with the rosemary aroma, one can combat these negative effects.
Cinnamon, which contains cinnamaldehyde, also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that have a similar effect as rosemary in that it can improve brain function and reduce cognitive decline.
Enhance The Mood
Scents such as eucalyptus, lemon and other citrus aromas have been shown to enhance mood among those who smell them. These scents create an environment that smells clean, safe, and hygienic, while also smelling pleasant. By ensuring a pleasant and clean-smelling environment, cognitive function can be improved owing to increased alertness and enhanced mood.
Promote Relaxation
Some scents are highly effective at promoting a sense of relaxation, reducing stress, and limiting anxiety. Lavender and chamomile, for example, are well-known in aromatherapy for reducing stress and creating a calm and soothing environment. It is difficult for one to think while stressed, which is why removing stress from the equation can be significantly beneficial in enhancing cognitive function.
Here at Scent.ology, we believe in the power of scent not only to boost your brand but also to enhance your quality of life. Contact us today for more information.
