Smelling good in Laterlife

The secret behind
the human relationship with scent
 

The sense of smell in humans is very complex. Two-stage research, directed by Dr. Anne Churchill and Dr. John Behan for Quest International, discloses that some reactions to scent are learned and depend upon the cultural traditions of the society in which you are brought up, others are ‘hard-wired’ into the human brain and are therefore consistent across different populations.

The sensory programme at Quest International is made up of a portfolio of tools that ranges from traditional market research to academic research. Mood mapping and mood portraits are key components of their sensory programmes - tools that deliver revealing results: specifically, that smell is an emotional sense, not an intellectual one. Smell tunes into an instinctive reaction.

Want to feel relaxed and invigorated?

When we talk about ‘well-being’ - a much-used term in today’s health and beauty world – we’re generally talking about wanting to feel relaxed, invigorated and happy. Quest’s Sensory Programme has revealed that scent can be used to prompt this well-being mood by tuning into the individual’s sense of smell.

Can happiness be prompted by scent?

Research in the UK, USA and France shows the fragrance types that people associate with happiness. For the British it is fruit – red berries, tropical or orchard fruit. People in the US agree, but in more fragrance-aware France sweet, powdery, floral and musky woody smells were also associated with well-being and happiness.

Can you feel invigorated by a particular scent?

Apparently yes. The British wake up if they smell anything citrus or herbal. In the USA, there exists a more complex array, including woody and spicy fragrances, that reveal the association with nature is the key to energy and invigoration.

Can scent make you chill out and relax?

Comforting smells associated with desserts such as lavender, vanilla, musky smells and sweet powdery scents are the odours which make the Brits relax. In France and the USA friendly fruity smells have the same relaxing effect.

Latest findings

The results of the Quest research will be far-reaching. Previous understanding of the benefits of fragrance was based upon the traditions of aromatherapy. Now the effect can actually be seen. Fragrance becomes a means for manufacturers to communicate with consumers and for consumers to manage how they feel through the products they buy.

Whether it is through a spritz of your favourite scent, a sumptuously deep and scented bath, or a gentle background fragrance in your room, reach for renewed energy, comfort when under stress, or just pure happiness from the joy of being alive.



For more information visit: www.questintl.com

laterlife interest

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