It’s very acute in older people who don’t hydrate properly or that drink alcohol regularly. Smoking makes it worse too. The awful part is that they don’t even notice the smell as it is literally coming off of them like BO. Getting elderly people to drink more fluids is hard as it requires them to pace themselves more over a longer period of time compared to more youthful people. HAIL HYDRATE!
“Old people smell” is due to the chemical compound called 2-nonenal. Usually, our skin produces omega-7 unsaturated fatty acids for general protection against the outside world. As we get older, like past age 40, our skin barrier gets worse (as in we produce less antioxidants on our skin), which lets these fatty acids be exposed to more air, which causes it to oxidize into 2-nonenal which smells bad.
As people age they are quite literally breaking down at a quicker rate, including their skin. In the skin, due to this increased breakdown they develop a higher concentration of the products of this breakdown, one of which is 2-Nonenol, which is what is most likely responsible for the distinct smell.
Our dog was coming back from the groomer with old people smell that would last a week so we started bringing our own shampoo. I guess their shampoo was washing away antioxidants on his coat/skin.
Not all do. My folks didn’t. They lived long lives. Were very good with their hygiene. I don’t have it either- asked a friend to give me a sniff. Wonder if there is more to genetics on that.
I wonder if this is one of those smells that not everyone can detect- like asparagus in pee. Cause I don’t think I’ve ever noticed it. What’s it smell like?
I’ve never noticed this. The only “old people smell” I’ve ever noticed are the weird old lady perfumes, bengay cream, etc. I wonder if not everyone can smell it?
Everyone’s pretty much said the main reason…I think another reason is bc old people tend to shower less, and that, combined with your skin not shedding well anymore, creates a very strong sebum smell. Ugh just thinking of it makes me sick to my stomach lol
I’m 55 the smell comes and goes on me. I think I “caught” whatever causes it, by wearing one of my coworkers old uniform shirts, while I was waiting to get mine.
I definitely think its a bacteria. Because I finally got rid of the odor.
Hah. I already knew about the odor, but Inthought this post said color, so I was confused when all the comments were about the smell. It’s too early for me.
Some elderly people have naphthalene smell on their clothing because they put mothballs in their wardrobes to deter silverfish and moths from eating their clothes. Younger generations are more likely to use different pest control methods (or wear synthetic clothing which is less susceptible to being eaten by pests) so the smell just happens to be associated with the elderly.
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It’s very acute in older people who don’t hydrate properly or that drink alcohol regularly. Smoking makes it worse too. The awful part is that they don’t even notice the smell as it is literally coming off of them like BO. Getting elderly people to drink more fluids is hard as it requires them to pace themselves more over a longer period of time compared to more youthful people. HAIL HYDRATE!
TLDR: Being old and unhealthy habits.
A molecule called “2-nonenal”- only produced by some people over aged 40- can be removed with persimmon soap.
“Old people smell” is due to the chemical compound called 2-nonenal. Usually, our skin produces omega-7 unsaturated fatty acids for general protection against the outside world. As we get older, like past age 40, our skin barrier gets worse (as in we produce less antioxidants on our skin), which lets these fatty acids be exposed to more air, which causes it to oxidize into 2-nonenal which smells bad.
As people age they are quite literally breaking down at a quicker rate, including their skin. In the skin, due to this increased breakdown they develop a higher concentration of the products of this breakdown, one of which is 2-Nonenol, which is what is most likely responsible for the distinct smell.
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This old person uses after shave every day. Perhaps that’s what you are smelling.
That is fascinating I never knew. I also thing oral health is a factor too. Just a constant stink coming out of there
Our dog was coming back from the groomer with old people smell that would last a week so we started bringing our own shampoo. I guess their shampoo was washing away antioxidants on his coat/skin.
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”Thats the formaldehyde. That’s why Granny is so well preserved.”
-Robin Williams, Mrs. Doubtfire
Not all do. My folks didn’t. They lived long lives. Were very good with their hygiene. I don’t have it either- asked a friend to give me a sniff. Wonder if there is more to genetics on that.
I wonder if this is one of those smells that not everyone can detect- like asparagus in pee. Cause I don’t think I’ve ever noticed it. What’s it smell like?
I’ve never noticed this. The only “old people smell” I’ve ever noticed are the weird old lady perfumes, bengay cream, etc. I wonder if not everyone can smell it?
My friend in high school won a “new word” contest calling it “oldramonium”
Everyone’s pretty much said the main reason…I think another reason is bc old people tend to shower less, and that, combined with your skin not shedding well anymore, creates a very strong sebum smell. Ugh just thinking of it makes me sick to my stomach lol
I’m 55 the smell comes and goes on me. I think I “caught” whatever causes it, by wearing one of my coworkers old uniform shirts, while I was waiting to get mine.
I definitely think its a bacteria. Because I finally got rid of the odor.
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Using persimmon soap can counteract nonenol. And other body odors. Check it out!
I know exactly what he is talking about. I sprout mung beans on a damp paper towel in my desk drawer. Very nutritious, but they smell like death.
nonenal
can be counteracted with persimmon soap
They sprout mung beans in their desk at work. Very nutritious but the smell like death.
Hah. I already knew about the odor, but Inthought this post said color, so I was confused when all the comments were about the smell. It’s too early for me.
Some elderly people have naphthalene smell on their clothing because they put mothballs in their wardrobes to deter silverfish and moths from eating their clothes. Younger generations are more likely to use different pest control methods (or wear synthetic clothing which is less susceptible to being eaten by pests) so the smell just happens to be associated with the elderly.
Persimmon soap takes away the old people smell.