Why Do Old People Smell?

[Mike047]

Being old myself, I found it a bit insulting when this question was put to me some time back. There are circumstances that clearly can lead to problems, such as poor washing routines through inability to reach everywhere. Being unable to totally control natural processes that can lead to soiled clothing. Yes, we know these are problem areas, but even without these problems, there is still the question about body odour, why?

 

Scientific studies show that aging alters body chemistry, leading to a distinct scent often associated with older adults. The key culprit is a compound called 2-nonenal.

 

To explain:

•     2-Nonenal: This unsaturated aldehyde is produced as the body ages, typically starting around age 40. It has a grassy or greasy odor, often described as musty or slightly sweet.
•     Skin Lipid Changes: Aging alters the composition of skin surface lipids, especially monounsaturated fatty acids. These changes promote the formation of 2-nonenal through oxidation.
•     Lipid Peroxides: Increased oxidative stress in older skin leads to more lipid peroxides, which further contribute to the production of odorous compounds.

 

There are also other factors:

•     Reduced Sweat and Sebum Production: While younger people’s body odor is often driven by sweat and bacterial breakdown, older adults produce less sweat and sebum, shifting the odor profile toward aldehydes like 2-nonenal.
•     Other Compounds: Some studies found elevated levels of benzothiazole, dimethylsulphone, and nonanal in older individuals, suggesting a broader chemical basis beyond just 2-nonenal.

 

In Japan, I believe this phenomenon is so well recognized that it has a name: kareishuu (加齢臭), meaning “aging odor.” It’s considered a natural part of growing older, not a hygiene issue.

 

So, even though it seems like an unpleasant topic to bring up, there’s a solid biochemical basis for the phenomenon—and it’s more about molecular aging than missed showers.

[Timl1980]

I knew this existed, but I felt it bad manners to bring it up. So thank you for giving it a name and dignifying it for me!

[Hope]

Lume deodorants are a miracle. Seriously. ❤️ 

 

https://lumedeodorant.com/?utm_term=lume deodorant&utm_campaign=Brand%3A+Core+Brand+Lume+Exact&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=638567044983&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18071231412&gbraid=0AAAAAC4SCozAdqWecF8BFfSbasxyDaldu&gclid=CjwKCAjwu9fHBhAWEiwAzGRC_78AcDjFtBa4GDzqH7ojwOex2ohAe66fUEQQDBEZRBHG3mSgd-WBYBoCjJUQAvD_BwE

[LeolaRootStew]

2 hours ago, Timl1980 said:

I knew this existed, but I felt it bad manners to bring it up. So thank you for giving it a name and dignifying it for me!

 

People always called it old-people smell where I come from. Never considered it an insult since it's not "unpleasant"; I put it in the same category as new-baby smell. Now, "teenage-boy smell" - that's an insult.

Edited yesterday at 02:23 AM by LeolaRootStew

[Michał]

Any smell in big concentration is unpleasant, even perfumes. So, let’s remember about air ventilation regardless our age 😁

[tekmantwo]

Hey!

I shower once a week, if I need it or not.!!......

 

 

 

 

 

Yeah, just kidding.....😁

[Wanda Hill]

I think some of it is related to the products used by some folks that are unable to shower/bathe regularly, such as wipes. A lot of them have a medicinal or perfume smell.

[Miss Bea]

Well, Iʼm pushing 82. If i work hard, i sweat profusly. As in dripping on my clothes. It ainʼt pretty. My smeller works overtime. Nothing worse then a severly unbathed human, i tell you. No worse smell. 
Us old folks. I have heard-tell of the old folks smell. To play the game, now and then i order a special soap, from Japan, i think. To chase away said smell. 
But, try to take proper care of myself, so i can still get hugs and the response, “you smell good”. And i assure you it is not perfume. 
As i write this, it dawned on me, i feel a personal responsibility to, “go before Jehovah”, clean, in every sense of the word. 

[Hope]

Making sure our body, hair, breath, clothing (get those suit coats dry cleaned, please! ) are clean and fresh is basic and essential. 

 

Smelling good is a fine gift of ourselves that we can give to others... 💐🤲🏼

[Blossom]

13 hours ago, Michał said:

Any smell in big concentration is unpleasant, even perfumes. So, let’s remember about air ventilation regardless our age 😁

Yes, very true. And let's not forget our brothers and sisters with perfume allergies. There is a sister in my hall that has to sit in a separate fragrance-free room. She literally experiences this:

"Severe allergic reaction

• Anaphylaxis: 

  This is a sudden, severe, and potentially fatal allergic reaction that can occur due to fragrance exposure. 

   
• Symptoms: 

  Seek emergency help immediately if you experience symptoms like difficulty breathing, wheezing, a tightening of the throat, swelling, lightheadedness, a rapid or weak pulse, or loss of consciousness. "

   

  Her voice literally changes as her throat tightens. We had a congregation picnic and she was about to join us. A person walked past her with a fragrance on and her reaction was pretty instant. She had to go home. 😞