Do Old People Smell Different?
The Facts About Changing Body Odor for Seniors and Caregivers
Does an "old people smell" really exist? Or is that term just another untrue stereotype about seniors? The answer isn't entirely straightforward. Although scientists have discovered that older people experience physiological changes that can lead to a distinct scent, that smell isn't necessarily as unpleasant as the term often implies. And it's usually not the result of poor hygiene or housekeeping. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to minimize its causes if the smell bothers you.
This article will teach you why people's natural scent can change with age. You'll also learn tips for preventing the distinctive odor. And you'll find out why you shouldn't panic if you notice that your body smells different than it used to. Plus, you'll discover other factors that can influence a senior's scent and get tips on how to talk to a loved one about body odor.
Why Do People Smell Different as They Get Older?
Do old people smell different as they age? The answer is often yes. But the cause of the scent usually isn't poor hygiene or health issues. Rather, it's the result of the normal skin-aging process. The substance that causes it is called nonenal. (Pronunciation of this word is with a short "e"; it sounds a bit like "phenomenal".)
Nonenal production occurs naturally. Throughout your life, your skin produces omega-7 fatty acids. When these natural oils break down on your skin, the result is a strong-smelling chemical called 2-nonenal.
Until your senior years, your body produces enough antioxidants to slow down this oxidation process. But as aging skin weakens, two things happen: You produce fewer antioxidants, and, at the same time, you make more fatty acids. The result? More 2-nonenal and more of its distinct odor. Your body odor changes as you get older because of this change in body chemistry.
How Can I Prevent Nonenal Odor?
Nonenal odor removal can be challenging. One reason is that nonenal is not water-soluble. That means a quick shower won't easily rinse it off. And most soaps are designed to tackle dirt or sweat, but not nonenal.
Some skincare and hygiene items have been marketed as nonenal soap or nonenal body wash in recent years. Many of these products were developed in Japan and according to Japanese researchers, persimmon extract is effective at eliminating nonenal. As a result, many of the products that claim to get rid of nonenal contain persimmon.
In addition to using nonenal soap, lifestyle changes can help. The goal of these changes is to reduce stress (which can increase the production of nonenal) and keep skin and clothing clean.
Check out these strategies that can help get rid of nonenal:
Drink lots of water. (When you're dehydrated, your skin can become drier, so any substance your body produces will be more concentrated.)
Wear cotton clothing so that your skin can breathe easily.
Ensure that clothing and bedding are washed regularly.
Avoid clothing made of synthetic materials.
Bathe or shower regularly.
Moisturize after bathing or showering. Moisturizers with vitamin C and other antioxidant ingredients can protect your skin.
Let the air flow. (Some seniors live in environments that don't have optimum air circulation, leading to a musty smell.) Try to keep windows open when possible.
Eat a healthy diet. Some people think that eating plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables while reducing meat and alcohol consumption helps control nonenal production.
When to Worry: Tips for Seniors and Caregivers
Nonenal isn't the only thing that can cause changes in how we smell. Other factors, such as medications, laundry problems, and dietary changes can also impact an older person's body odor.
Although some changes are normal, a different body odor can sometimes be a sign of a medical problem. For example:
A fruity smell on a person's breath can signal diabetes.
Breath that smells like ammonia can be a sign of kidney disease.
Changes in scent that result from neglecting basic personal hygiene can sometimes indicate the beginnings of dementia.
Since changes in body odor can indicate health issues, don't hesitate to seek help from a healthcare professional when you have concerns. If you know a senior whose body odor is getting stronger, and you feel it goes beyond expected age-related changes, suggest a doctor's visit.
For many seniors, the possibility of developing "old person smell" can be distressing. But understanding the underlying causes can help ease any stigma they feel. And a few simple steps can reduce the development of age-related body odor. With a positive and proactive approach, worrying about how you smell doesn't have to interfere with living a fulfilling life as a senior.
By Laura Slauson | https://www.greatseniorliving.com/articles/elderly-body-odorJanuary 15, 2021
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