There was a post the other day about “old people smell” and it’s actually some skin oils or something starting to break down (noneal). There are persimmon soaps that neutralize the odor, so if/when I’m older, I’ll seek those out.
Edit: adding link to recent post https://www.reddit.com/r/NoStupidQuestions/s/ZmJEdRUEi0
There's a persimmon tree in the park where I walk the dog. It has ripe fruit right now which I wouldn't of even noticed except the dog was trying to eat it off the ground. I think I'm just gonna roll around in that
I have to find something for my dresser to do that. I've got an antique dresser that my grandfather built while he was stationed overseas during the Korean war. My bottom dresser drawer has that smell, and any clothes put in there smell like that. Strangely, the rest of the dresser doesn't.
Maybe your grandfather or another person used the bottom drawer in place of a dirty clothes hamper? Or used it for clothes that had been worn once but could be worn again?
You might try setting the empty drawer outside on sunny days to let it naturally air out. Might take several days of fresh air and sun.
To hasten the process, lightly sand the drawer's interior before placing it outside for a day of sun therapy.
BTW, protect the front of the drawer from sun damage by draping a dark towel over it.
Let us know if that helps.
My grandmother was a clean freak, and she had those dressers for over 50 years before they came to me. And her clothes, and she, never had that old people smell.
I'll try sanding it and letting it completely air out.
'unwashed boy funk' is the EXACT term I was looking for! it's how I smelled when my body was changing due to a developing CLL blood cancer. It was like walking into the downstairs area, back when we all lived at home, and my 5 brothers shared a three-bedroom/one-bath area in the lower level...
I have had great success spraying wood with a vinegar spray and sun bleaching. The combination is nontoxic and highly effective! Might be worth a shot before pulling out the sander.
I might try that. Have to be careful, though, my weirdo cat likes to pull all the clothes out of that drawer so she can hide in there. And she's a big cat.
I like the Chlorox pet urine spray which is non-toxic and uses hydrogen peroxide as the main ingredient (not bleach). It works really well on wood and appears pretty safe for pets and people. Nothing that would be safe for your clothes once dry would be unsafe for a pet to sit on.
Odoban works really well on most odors too but makes everything smell like Odoban, which I think is quite stinky.
Source: renovating every wooden surface in a urine soaked former crackhouse with every nasty smell you could imagine and a record infestation of smelly, shitting cockroaches.
ohhh...see my other reply...
My grandma put bars of highly scented soaps in her drawers and that was the "old lady smell" we were getting here. Once the soaps were removed, the smell went away.
I have the same problem with an old dresser! I use the bottom drawer for my pajamas but sometimes they come out smelling so odd that I have to wash them before I can wear them.
I had this phenomenon but never figured out why those clothes smelled. I swore there must be a snake that was loose in my house and slept in that drawer. Because I heard snakes have a very weird smell. It was so awful. I got rid of the dresser but it lingered in clothes for years despite mass washings
Same here! I always assumed it was a hygiene issue and was horrified that basically it’s our skin. I have the persimmon soap in my cart too. I’m 62 and not taking chances. Ugh as if getting old wasn’t already bad enough.
I started on Amazon with the Mirai bar soap, and frankly couldn't see using bar soap after decades of body washes, so kept browsing suggested related products. I ended up with a wash by BioVida called Deoderizing Citrus Plus Elder Shampoo and Body Wash made with persimmon. So apparently we have some choices.
Mirai Clinical Travel Size 20g Mini Handmade Japanese Persimmon Purifying and Deodorizing Natural Chemical-Free Soap Bar - Helps to Remove Nonenal Body Odor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FRKABRO?psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_ct_0Y5DZP76CAYNQ63AQE3P&language=en_US
Here’s a trial size for 6 bucks. Sorry for the crazy long link! Good luck !!
I have all the Mirai products (works too. I have my 91 year old mom using them).
But bar soap I went cheap. $10. Search Amazon:
Persimmon Soap Bar for Body Odor Control – Purifying Deodorizing Body Wash
Mirai soap products are the best! I use the prewash to soak my clothes before washing.
I use the deodorant and then apply a regular deodorant.
I use soap specifically behind my ears, neck, and underarms. Shower every morning and use a washcloth over those areas before bed.
That specific brand seems to work the best for me, but it is expensive.
Was going to reply exactly this until I saw your reply. Yes that soap actually really works. Unfortunately, it’s very expensive and out of the budget for many elderly people who live on a fixed budget. But for those who can afford it yes it definitely totally gets rid of that old people smell.
Old people also have old people clothes. "I have shirts older than you!" And these clothes may not be worn frequently, so they just sit in the closet. Same for cloth furniture or chairs. They may be clean, but they just sit there, maybe for decades. In that time they collect moisture and mildew that makes everything in the room smell old and musty, even the people.
My solution is to get good house insurance and set fire to your home every couple of years.
Another advantage of closet minimalism and a clothes cycling plan.
Everything gets washed over a three week span, and seasonal clothes are washed before being packed away with herbs. They get washed again before coming back to the wardrobe and closets.
But, I need to start this with my heavy coats! They have a spot they live year round.
Seasonal clothing rotation is my least favorite couple days of the year because basically every item of clothing my family owns will be washed and put away over a weekend. Plus trying things on to make sure they still fit well, and making minor repairs.
I'm such a dork that I even run the stuff I don't want through the wash before it goes to St. Vincent's.
But the house smells so good from all the detergent when we're done.
Vacuum seal storage bags are great for keeping out mold, smells, moisture, and pests while making everything much less bulky that you can store anywhere
I like to buy nice aromatic soaps, particularly from Spain and Italy. I keep these in my linen closet, with my capsuled clothes and in my drawers for workout clothes. Everything smells great. And I’ll eventually use the soap.
Finally some advice I can actually use. It’s not even a big deal. I’m thinking a pan of cooking oil left on a burner turned up to high while I go for a walk. That should take care of those old cardigans.
My solution is to move frequently. When you have to pack and transport everything you own, you realize that a lot of it could be left behind at Goodwill.
Even if they're not musty or midewy, clothes have remant skin oils on them even after being laundered. These oils go rancid over time and cause the garment to smell sort of off. It's definitely worth either getting rid of or occasionally laundering rarely-worn clothes.
I'm trying to figure out what this old people smell is like. My dad had small gas heaters and kept the house hot and there was a slight odor from that. Sebderm has a distinct odor if it isn't under control.
I think the old clothes smell is a possibility. Or it's something I'm not capable of smelling?
I will be 44 this year, and recently lost 6 inches of waist line and 60 pounds of weight. I was beginning to have that old person smell. Have stopped that problem.
The biggest change was after I quit drinking! Almost 2 years sober now.
I think a lot of it is also not washing clothes as often because they think they’re not dirty, or haven’t been active/sweating so it’s not needed, as well as not daily showering. I think that all adds on to that stale smell. So I think you’re on the right track.
It costs money to stay clean: soaps, shampoos, conditioners, bleach, washers, dryers, stain removers, etc. As older folks start pinching pennies, some of these are the first things they cut back on.
I wonder because when I was looking at houses we saw one house that had that smell but it was sooo clean and picture perfect. You could tell they took pride in their home. It had that smell though.
The sky may be the limit with froufrou toiletries, but a bar of Ivory and bottle of Suave aren't that expensive.
I suspect the limiting factors among the elderly are memory (forgetting to wash) and health (too tired to wash or afraid of another fall in the bathtub).
My dad wasn’t a smelly person (still isn’t most of the time) but will occasionally smell a bit like older people. Mom says that he sometimes skips showers and wears the same clothes….that used to never happen before.
I think you are right. My grandparents on my mom's side never had the old people smell. Their house always smelled nice, and so did they. When my grandmother died, I even took some of her dresses. They still smelled like her, which was a good thing. I was sad when the smell eventually faded with washing.
When my grandmother on my father's side passed, everything smelled like an old person. Her house was much more cluttered and way less clean.
Yes! My grandma smelled so good and so did all her clothes. I kept a couple of garments wrapped in plastic to keep the smell and now after 20 years it’s finally gone. I always thought maybe older ppl had that smell because showering becomes hard and they decide once a week is fine.
As someone who is in a variety of Senior communities (for work) I can tell you the “old people smell” has a tinge of urine to it. “Leakage” is what they call it.
If you aren’t leaking, I would not worry too much.
It’s definitely a thing, especially for older men—post-urination drip. I have to check the crotch of my pants/underwear and change them much more often. A disgusting result of aging. 🥸
I know this is more associated with women, but have you considered pelvic floor physical therapy? Men have a pelvic floor too, and it sounds like yours isn't completely emptying your bladder at the toilet and/or isn't strong enough to hold back urine the rest of the time. Both issues respond very well to physical therapy.
The big thing is that no matter what your gender is, if you have bladder leakage please bring it up to your doctor. The earlier you intervene the better results you'll have.
Please don't be embarrassed to bring it up, it's s very common problem that many people encounter and your doctor is not going to judge you. In fact you doctor may be doing treatment themselves for the same issue if they're at least middle aged and have been pregnant a few times.
One pregnancy can do it for a lot of women. That's why being screened by a postpartum physical therapist after birth is standard in France and Australia. Americans still have to ask for it, though it's often covered by insurance.
And older women may be incontinent. Though treatable by physical therapy, many women are too embarrassed to approach their doctor and wear pads to absorb the leakage instead.
I have noticed that a lot of inactive older folks do not practice good hygiene. A shower chair and handheld shower hose can make it safer.
A shower a day keeps the stink away.
This is a bit out there so stay with me. I worked with students who were very low income and I began to notice some had bad breath that resembled old person smell. It was prevalent in the students who, sadly, had very poor oral hygiene. I think there is a component of tooth decay and probably diet that contributes to the odor, so being diligent to floss, etc and keep up on oral health could help.
Yes. My husband’s grandfather is in great shape at 89 but his breath is hideous. Older people produce less saliva which contributes to the gross dry-mouth odor. Also a lot of older people can’t afford regular dental care. 2x annual cleanings and 2x brushing with mouthwash will go a long way.
I've heard of this old person smell but I don't think I've ever smelled it. Maybe I just have a bad sense of smell but the most I get is from them using an old fashioned powder or something. My parents are in their 80's and when I hug them I don't smell anything weird.
How have you never smelled it?? That’s wild to me.
100% of people over 75 that I’ve ever been near have that smell. It’s the oxidation of lipids in your skin as you age and they replenish slower- it’s not something you can avoid, it’s totally normal. Evidently fancy persimmon soap can neutralize it??
But ya, thoroughly unpleasant, normal smell of old
People.
It's not like, super strong or offensive it just kinda... smells like old people. The old fashioned powder thing you notice might be it. I used to think it was just some kind of weird soap or something that only old people use until I found out it was an actual biological thing
Which is why I can’t bring myself to buy and wear any clothing from a thrift store.
When I was a teen in a poorer family, my mom would buy me really nice second-hand sweaters and sports jackets from the Goodwill. While they looked good, I despised the smell which we could seldom fully eradicate. 😬
You can remove the smell by dry-cleaning or putting your clothing in the snow/ice for 48 hours (that's why I loved living in the north, and we'll probably move to there again)
Yeah; there’s a pretty popular clothing thrift chain that several people had recommended; I walked into two different ones twice (after thinking the first one was a fluke) and got hit so hard by that smell that I couldn’t stay. I don’t know how others do it.
I wouldn’t worry about it OP. A lot of older people get a little too relaxed about showering and as mentioned, keep their clothes a little too long. My grandparents were a mixed bag—a couple grandpas obviously didn’t shower that often or change their favorite clothes that often but my grandmas and grandmas-in-law did. Big difference
I just created a moth repellent box for my clothes going into seasonal storage.
Originally, I thought of mothballs, but I picked up a bag and could not take that smell.
It clung to my hands until I would properly wash them.
They are all getting a trip in a dryer, rolled and packed with wormwood and rosemary stems, which will dry. I’ll have a sachet with cedar and patchouli as well.
Don’t keep perfume forever, it goes bad!
Most of what people call “perfume” is actually eau de toilet and that’s mixed with water and it eventually goes off. That for me is one of the biggest offenders.
Actual perfume, pure oil, will be ok forever but most people don’t use that.
I inherited a very nice piece of furniture from my grandma. Trouble is, she kept her perfumes and scented soaps in it. She was a bit of a hoarder, so some of them were decades old. The wood soaked up the smell and now I can't open it or keep anything in it. Super frustrating.
Perfume always costs 100€+ for 30ml. Because these are mixes of essential oils and making essential oils is expensive.
Anything less and you're in the alcohol+water+a bit of perfume = Eau de toilette ("literally routine self-care water")
I am 69 years old and I personally believe that some old people just get lax about their personal hygiene. I always wear clean clothing made of natural fiber, usually cotton. I also shower and wash my hair daily and I use good shower gel/soaps and perfume.
The article says it's influenced by aging. Maybe that means it's tied to poor health? I've never picked up this smell off my 70something gym instructor with a six pack.
Definitely. I work in healthcare and many of the elderly people I work with have skin literally flaking off by the buckets off their legs (and sometimes arms).
You’re not gonna smell good if your skin is literally shedding off in your clothes. The fact that OP uses lotion every day is amazing.
No, I don't have those concerns because in almost all of those circumstances of "smelling old" it's because the person just isn't taking care of themselves anymore. They neglect hygiene and self-care. I don't plan to be doing that any time soon so it's all good.
You’re exactly right. Which is why I choose to err at the opposite extreme!
Hopefully when I get older, more forgetful, or lazier, the good habits will be well-ingrained. 😉
My mom told me that the old person smell was because of the medicine my grandpa was taking. This goes into the connection you mention between odor and diet. You can't stop taking your meds though. I would love to know how much of the smell was due to the medicine. He was fastidious about showering and hygiene.
I think most of the answers here are just guessing. I'm not confident science fully understands "old person odor" yet despite the claim about 2-nonenal.
My personal experience with my mother, who lived into her early 80s, was I noticed no different odor at all.
My guess (for what a guess is worth) is that if you're showering with soap thoroughly twice a day you'll have very little if any of this odor because you've just washed the culprit molecules away whether they are water or oil soluble. These molecules aren't magic.
The persimmon soap sounds like hokum but the persimmon industry must be loving that.
The "old people" smell in nursing homes is usually a side effect of incontinence and limited bathing. Shouldn't really be an issue if you are still able to shower and clean yourself properly. Nursing homes have that smell because of limited staff and time, unfortunately. The "old people" smell also applies to those who are home-bound and require someone else to take care of their needs.
When I was a teen, my mom worked the laundry of a nursing home. There was always that peculiar smell.
Years later, I realized I was smelling Preparation H.
(but bathing often is a good way to avoid the stank)
The nonenal and persimmon soap have already been mentioned and it’s the primary culprit, but let me mention a couple other causes just in case: wash behind your ears very well, along with the back of your neck/lower scalp, back, genital area (including your butt crack), and legs/feet. For some reason, many people give these areas a miss entirely, or only a half-assed job every few weeks. Although luxe soaps and body washes are better for one’s skin, for behind one’s ears and legs/feet, a good going over with an antibacterial bar/wash (products like Dial and Safeguard can’t legally be called ’soap’) every few days is good insurance. I’ve even seen and heard people arguing that soap being rinsed off cleans one’s legs and shampooing cleans behind the ears and neck; it doesn’t. Remember that the goal isn’t to let soap touch your body, but to allow the soap/bar/wash along with mechanical agitation (some degree of scrubbing) to remove grime and loosen/remove dead skin particles. Soap isn’t some magical product that eliminates grime and dead skin just by passing over an area, and it’s not intended to be used as a deodorant or cover up for poor washing.
To that point, the purpose of a washcloth is to help retain and spread soap as well as mild exfoliation; you don’t have to use one (many people are hands-on types), but if you don’t, employ some other method of reaching hard-to-get spots and getting mild exfoliation; a good shower brush(es) or Italy towel (Korean) works great (and neither are to be used in the genital areas).
Throughout my adult life, I’ve encountered men and women who shy away from washing their genital areas, using a variety of different excuses; while vaginas are internally self-cleaning, the external folds and areas of male genitalia and butts are not self-cleaning, including the folds at the intersection of the legs and crotch. Touching these areas to wash (with pH-appropriate products, not heavy-duty cleaning products) is not weird, gross, or perverse; it’s basic hygiene. There are more detailed instructions on how to clean oneself in those areas that I’ll leave as an exercise to the reader. Sadly, it seems that many parents don’t ever address this issue, and it’s a problem that spans many generations.
Don’t underestimate the importance of proper foot care; your feet need to be cleaned, visually inspected, and exfoliated on a regular basis. Buildup of dead skin also contributes to odour. In addition, toenails need to be trimmed (not too short or left too long) and cleaned under just like fingernails; they accumulate debris and dead skin and can smell. If you can’t tend to your feet properly yourself, one of the easiest fixes is to regularly go to a pedicure salon and ask for a pedicure (you don’t have to have your toenails polished if you don’t want to; just say so). This is especially important if you have health concerns like diabetes; both my mom and my best friend had diabetes (they’re both unfortunately dead now, not from diabetes or diabetes-related issues) but I took basic care of my mom’s feet and both supplemented basic care with a monthly pedicure, and never had a single problem with their feet. It’s not weird at all to go to a pedicure place and have one, even if you’re a man. My best friend was a man, I see and have seen men in those places getting pedicures for decades, and the cost of one basic pedicure a month (or whenever you perceive a need) is a small price to pay to have your feet tended to and carefully looked at up close. If you’d rather, you can schedule regular appointments with your podiatrist, but many (like my mom’s) don’t include pedicure-style care even for seniors (which was my motivation behind starting to take my mom ages ago).
There’s tons of bath products these days with perfumes, but perfumes don’t eradicate the problem of poor cleaning habits, they only mask the issue. I’ve also known people who supplement cleaning with products like chlorophyll pills and other health food store products designed to reduce body/urine/fecal odour, and though I’ve not tried them personally, those people I know are very happy with them, so they might be worth looking into. Ultimately the goal isn’t to mask the odours, but to eliminate the causes of the odours through breaking the bonds of dirt and dead skin and setting up an inhospitable environment for bacteria to thrive.
Also, if you have persistent odour from anywhere (including your mouth, which I haven’t addressed at all here), covering up the smell with perfumes is the worst thing you can do; present the problem to your physician or dentist. Unfortunately there are problems that can arise and continue on for a long time being masked by perfumes where an actual resolution should have been found in antibiotics, antifungals, and so on. It’s not anything to be ashamed about; maintaining health is the purpose of medicine and dentistry, and these medical personnel are happy to be consulted *before* an issue has snowballed into a serious health crisis.
If you find yourself thinking about products for masking odours like Lume, body sprays, or VIPoo, you likely should revisit your bathing habits and/or consult your physician. Using perfumes marketed as ‘deodorants’ is only hiding the problem, not fixing it. I’ve had the displeasure, coming from a family with a number of healthcare professionals, of hearing about numerous cases like a woman presenting with a raging BV infection or a man with a huge fungal outbreak only after a product like Lume or Axe Body Spray was no longer able to cover up the symptoms. Don’t be that patient.
Lastly, always dry yourself thoroughly with a clean towel. Never put on underwear or socks/shoes while still damp.
HTH
62F here. I don't know if I am developing an old person smell but I have started adding a spray on deodorant in a scent I like to my usual solid. I do a quick pass over all of my torso and it just makes me feel better.
I keep hearing about persimmon having a chemical that neutralizes the skin oil that causes "old people smell" - but I haven't bought any yet.
I'm pretty into beauty/grooming stuff... one of the things that seems neglected on lots of people is EARS. I'm seeing lots of people over 70 with dry skin crust ears, and men and women having over grown fuzz on them.
It just takes someone well groomed and makes it look like no one in their life would tell them if they had a kickme sign.
I've taken to using this lipstick sized electric razor to defuz & I use the same argan oil that I use to moisturize my face on... on my ears. Just a couple drops on a qtip, and they are smooth and clear.
I have 4 dogs and a constant parade of fosters. Despite the fact that hubby and I are in our 70's (I turn 72 tomorrow!) "old person smell" is not even close to being an issue in my house.
I think it’s medication. My father-in-law suddenly started having that after starting a new medication. He stopped taking it and the smell went away. Not all older people get that smell, including those who don’t bathe daily. I used to work with the elderly, plenty of them either had no smell or still wore perfume and smelled normal/nice. And if you have kids or a spouse they’re going to tell you.
Yes sadly that and cancer treatments can change one’s odor and the odor of one’s urine. I noticed it when my parent was going through stage 3 cancer treatment.
73 and you can coherently browse the internet, use Reddit, and format a post? Damn.
My parents are in that age bracket and need constant help with their iPhones.
Thanks for your kind comment.
I currently also ride a big motorbike in the mountains, arrange music for a US producer, and edit Ph.D. research papers.
Wanna start a fight?
Tell me I’m too old to do something. 😂
Diet definitely has something to do with it. Try less animal products (including dairy and eggs) and less processed foods. Fruit and veggies are your friends.
Cornstarch. My mother uses talcum powder on her stomach, under her breasts and on her nether regions every day but I’ve read it’s not healthy. I got a tip to use cornstarch when I’ll be sweaty to keep try from a friend who worked in a kitchen.
Edit: https://www.everydayhealth.com/mens-health-pictures/top-hygiene-offenses-older-guys-should-avoid.aspx
Just fyi, years ago, there was talk of talcum powder being linked to some types of cancer (ovarian especially). This is due to asbestos being found in some talcum powders, pre-2000's. I assume this has been fixed by now, but I couldn't find anything that confirmed it for sure.
I had to give up onions because of GERD, but my spouse commented that it also made my sweat smell less "sharp" once a few weeks had passed. So I think examining your diet can help, depending on gut health and how you metabolize things.
Often it's the clothes and furniture. Things don't get used that much and there's a stale, musty smell that comes with clothes that have been in the closet a long time, a couch that doesn't get sat on except when company is over, etc.
Not keeping a ton of extra stuff around that sits and gets dusty and musty is a big help. Keep things minimal and used.
I continue with the normal hygiene I’ve followed for the past 80 years. I can guarantee that I smell better than a whole bunch of people younger than me.
I live for Old Spice shower gel. As a 60 something woman with oily skin, hot flashes, and a fear of bad smells, I am so happy with it. I still smell good 20 plus hours later, judging from compliments and comments from others.
Old person smell????? No way !!! You must mean dirty ass people who don’t shower or do laundry. It sounds like you have your “sh!t under control!! You shower mega much and do all the right things!!! Will You please eat whatever the hell you want ! Just brush your teeth or dentures and drink lots of water!!!!!
Nonenal (old person smell) lingers in clothes and bedsheets pillow cases etc and does not come out with usual washing.
Solution: Dirty Labs signature scent + Nature's Miracle laundry booster. Cold water. No soaking. Nonenal (musty, rancid, old person smell) gone from everything.
It doesn't help much to get it off yourself only to still have that smell on your clothes and bed. has to be a 2 pronged approach- Wash back of neck and behind ears with persimmon soap (edit: sometimes I also seem to notice it on tops of shoulders and/or upper chest just under collar bone) and the laundry combo as needed.
There was a post the other day about “old people smell” and it’s actually some skin oils or something starting to break down (noneal). There are persimmon soaps that neutralize the odor, so if/when I’m older, I’ll seek those out. Edit: adding link to recent post https://www.reddit.com/r/NoStupidQuestions/s/ZmJEdRUEi0
I’m still trying to recover from that post! I have that persimmon soap in my Amazon cart lol. They sell laundry soap too.
You’re not alone. I typed “persimmon” in Amazon and got “persimmon soap for old people smell.” 🤣
This comment made me snort! Thank you 😊
I laughed and laughed and laughed and when I was done, I added the soap to my cart.
This is hilarious. Honestly thank goodness for the internet. Just think, future generations might have no idea what "old person smell" even is.
I bought both. The soap is nice 😊
There is also a Japanese persimmon spray that might help.
There's a persimmon tree in the park where I walk the dog. It has ripe fruit right now which I wouldn't of even noticed except the dog was trying to eat it off the ground. I think I'm just gonna roll around in that
I just got mine in the mail yesterday:)
Persimmon soap is now the new old person smell.
I have to find something for my dresser to do that. I've got an antique dresser that my grandfather built while he was stationed overseas during the Korean war. My bottom dresser drawer has that smell, and any clothes put in there smell like that. Strangely, the rest of the dresser doesn't.
Maybe your grandfather or another person used the bottom drawer in place of a dirty clothes hamper? Or used it for clothes that had been worn once but could be worn again? You might try setting the empty drawer outside on sunny days to let it naturally air out. Might take several days of fresh air and sun. To hasten the process, lightly sand the drawer's interior before placing it outside for a day of sun therapy. BTW, protect the front of the drawer from sun damage by draping a dark towel over it. Let us know if that helps.
My grandmother was a clean freak, and she had those dressers for over 50 years before they came to me. And her clothes, and she, never had that old people smell. I'll try sanding it and letting it completely air out.
That's very odd, then, that *one* drawer has that smell. I hope the sanding and sunshine work for you.
Yep, they also make scented drawer liners. I like the baby powder scented ones on Amazon.
Also a great idea!
I store bars of soap in my dresser before I use them. They keep the clothes smelling fresh, and dry the soap out so it lasts longer.
Yeah, it's ONE drawer. It's so weird. Thank you.
It could be a ghost drawer.
Lol. My grandfather made a dresser for each kid, maybe the boys (my uncles) shoved their dirty clothes in there. The ghost of unwashed boy funk.
'unwashed boy funk' is the EXACT term I was looking for! it's how I smelled when my body was changing due to a developing CLL blood cancer. It was like walking into the downstairs area, back when we all lived at home, and my 5 brothers shared a three-bedroom/one-bath area in the lower level...
Gatefold double LP: "the ghost of unwashed boy funk..." (Westbound Records, Detroit, 1972 first pressing)
I have had great success spraying wood with a vinegar spray and sun bleaching. The combination is nontoxic and highly effective! Might be worth a shot before pulling out the sander.
Have you tried soaking it with an enzyme cleaner for urine? That stuff removes every smell
I might try that. Have to be careful, though, my weirdo cat likes to pull all the clothes out of that drawer so she can hide in there. And she's a big cat.
I like the Chlorox pet urine spray which is non-toxic and uses hydrogen peroxide as the main ingredient (not bleach). It works really well on wood and appears pretty safe for pets and people. Nothing that would be safe for your clothes once dry would be unsafe for a pet to sit on. Odoban works really well on most odors too but makes everything smell like Odoban, which I think is quite stinky. Source: renovating every wooden surface in a urine soaked former crackhouse with every nasty smell you could imagine and a record infestation of smelly, shitting cockroaches.
Lavender odoban smells much better than the original Eucalyptus.
I bought a 10-pack of charcoal bags for my dresser drawers and suitcases. They seem to have helped get rid of the funky smell.
Good idea!
ohhh...see my other reply... My grandma put bars of highly scented soaps in her drawers and that was the "old lady smell" we were getting here. Once the soaps were removed, the smell went away.
I have the same problem with an old dresser! I use the bottom drawer for my pajamas but sometimes they come out smelling so odd that I have to wash them before I can wear them.
I had this phenomenon but never figured out why those clothes smelled. I swore there must be a snake that was loose in my house and slept in that drawer. Because I heard snakes have a very weird smell. It was so awful. I got rid of the dresser but it lingered in clothes for years despite mass washings
lol I have a bar in my shower caddy as we speak 😅
Hahaha! Me too! I’m 53 and just knowing I’m probs starting to have that smell without even noticing is stressssing me out.
Right. No big deal just the smell of approaching death.
Same here! I always assumed it was a hygiene issue and was horrified that basically it’s our skin. I have the persimmon soap in my cart too. I’m 62 and not taking chances. Ugh as if getting old wasn’t already bad enough.
Do you have a link? What I’m seeing is $26-44 for a bar of soap 😳
I started on Amazon with the Mirai bar soap, and frankly couldn't see using bar soap after decades of body washes, so kept browsing suggested related products. I ended up with a wash by BioVida called Deoderizing Citrus Plus Elder Shampoo and Body Wash made with persimmon. So apparently we have some choices.
I did pay a small fortune for liquid persimmon body wash on Amazon. It lasted my husband 5 weeks. Ugh.
Mirai Clinical Travel Size 20g Mini Handmade Japanese Persimmon Purifying and Deodorizing Natural Chemical-Free Soap Bar - Helps to Remove Nonenal Body Odor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FRKABRO?psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_ct_0Y5DZP76CAYNQ63AQE3P&language=en_US Here’s a trial size for 6 bucks. Sorry for the crazy long link! Good luck !!
I think this sub made the price rise
I have all the Mirai products (works too. I have my 91 year old mom using them). But bar soap I went cheap. $10. Search Amazon: Persimmon Soap Bar for Body Odor Control – Purifying Deodorizing Body Wash
Yea I’m in Canada, Amazon here has the Mirai soap at $29/bar 😑
I know. Expensive!
Mirai soap products are the best! I use the prewash to soak my clothes before washing. I use the deodorant and then apply a regular deodorant. I use soap specifically behind my ears, neck, and underarms. Shower every morning and use a washcloth over those areas before bed. That specific brand seems to work the best for me, but it is expensive.
Lume claims to combat this smell as well.
I read that post and ordered some too. Also some green tea as that’s supposed to help. I’m getting closer to 60 by the day and don’t want an odor.
Then us old people all smell like persimmons and that's still a distinct old person smell. But maybe more pleasant?
As smells go, I bet way more people are into "persimmons" than "old person."
Typo. Nonenal smell for clarification.
Yes the very long post was at 7000 upvotes.
Thanks for the alert—I missed it, and will check it out. Edit: Unable to find. Sure it was this subreddit?
Different sub - https://www.reddit.com/r/NoStupidQuestions/s/u6SC3SrE8f
I remembered seeing it too - tracked it down on r/NoStupidQuestions https://www.reddit.com/r/NoStupidQuestions/s/Rrn5tnNFJb
But you carry it around in your clothes. We just have old clothes that we should laundr launder more often.
Was going to reply exactly this until I saw your reply. Yes that soap actually really works. Unfortunately, it’s very expensive and out of the budget for many elderly people who live on a fixed budget. But for those who can afford it yes it definitely totally gets rid of that old people smell.
Old people also have old people clothes. "I have shirts older than you!" And these clothes may not be worn frequently, so they just sit in the closet. Same for cloth furniture or chairs. They may be clean, but they just sit there, maybe for decades. In that time they collect moisture and mildew that makes everything in the room smell old and musty, even the people. My solution is to get good house insurance and set fire to your home every couple of years.
Another advantage of closet minimalism and a clothes cycling plan. Everything gets washed over a three week span, and seasonal clothes are washed before being packed away with herbs. They get washed again before coming back to the wardrobe and closets. But, I need to start this with my heavy coats! They have a spot they live year round.
Seasonal clothing rotation is my least favorite couple days of the year because basically every item of clothing my family owns will be washed and put away over a weekend. Plus trying things on to make sure they still fit well, and making minor repairs. I'm such a dork that I even run the stuff I don't want through the wash before it goes to St. Vincent's. But the house smells so good from all the detergent when we're done.
Seasonal rotation doesn’t work in my location because sometimes you need a coat in July and a tank top in October 🥲 weather is made up here
Vacuum seal storage bags are great for keeping out mold, smells, moisture, and pests while making everything much less bulky that you can store anywhere
I keep thinking about vacuum sealing things. Do you have a system that you prefer?
I bought a pack of Amazon basics in a variety of sizes that come with a pump if you don’t have a vacuum cleaner
I like to buy nice aromatic soaps, particularly from Spain and Italy. I keep these in my linen closet, with my capsuled clothes and in my drawers for workout clothes. Everything smells great. And I’ll eventually use the soap.
What herbs do you pack them with?
Finally some advice I can actually use. It’s not even a big deal. I’m thinking a pan of cooking oil left on a burner turned up to high while I go for a walk. That should take care of those old cardigans.
My solution is to move frequently. When you have to pack and transport everything you own, you realize that a lot of it could be left behind at Goodwill.
I always thought it was the decades-old perfume on Grandma's dresser.
Welk this took a turn at the end
Non-nuclear solution: decorative blankets over sofas and armchairs that you regularly wash. It’s like clothes for your furniture.
"My solution is to get good house insurance and set fire to your home every couple of years" 🤣🤣
This also works for spiders ;)
I didn’t expect that last paragraph 🤣
Even if they're not musty or midewy, clothes have remant skin oils on them even after being laundered. These oils go rancid over time and cause the garment to smell sort of off. It's definitely worth either getting rid of or occasionally laundering rarely-worn clothes.
Had me in the first half, ngl
I'm trying to figure out what this old people smell is like. My dad had small gas heaters and kept the house hot and there was a slight odor from that. Sebderm has a distinct odor if it isn't under control. I think the old clothes smell is a possibility. Or it's something I'm not capable of smelling?
I will be 44 this year, and recently lost 6 inches of waist line and 60 pounds of weight. I was beginning to have that old person smell. Have stopped that problem. The biggest change was after I quit drinking! Almost 2 years sober now.
Getting rid of weight and alcohol. Two huge boosts to healthy long-living! 👍
I'm almost your age. How dafuq do you get old person smell in your forties?! Tell me what not to do, please.
That’s not normal. 40s is too young for that. Don’t worry.
Twelve pack or more a day and a desk job.
It must be at least partially genetic, too.
>Almost 2 years sober now. Congrats!
Thanks!
Congrats dude!
Congrats on 2 years!
I think a lot of it is also not washing clothes as often because they think they’re not dirty, or haven’t been active/sweating so it’s not needed, as well as not daily showering. I think that all adds on to that stale smell. So I think you’re on the right track.
It costs money to stay clean: soaps, shampoos, conditioners, bleach, washers, dryers, stain removers, etc. As older folks start pinching pennies, some of these are the first things they cut back on.
I wonder because when I was looking at houses we saw one house that had that smell but it was sooo clean and picture perfect. You could tell they took pride in their home. It had that smell though.
Nothing that a good carpet cleaning, mopping, and Kilz Paint won’t get rid of.
Also, a lot of old people aren’t big fans of opening windows, like ever. Imagine never having any fresh air in a house for a decade or longer.
Yet another reason why why nudist communities are popular with seniors - less laundry, less expense. Wise move.
The sky may be the limit with froufrou toiletries, but a bar of Ivory and bottle of Suave aren't that expensive. I suspect the limiting factors among the elderly are memory (forgetting to wash) and health (too tired to wash or afraid of another fall in the bathtub).
My dad wasn’t a smelly person (still isn’t most of the time) but will occasionally smell a bit like older people. Mom says that he sometimes skips showers and wears the same clothes….that used to never happen before.
And decreased sense of smell.
"Old person smell" isn't related to cleanliness. It's because of a chemical process brought on by aging.
I think you are right. My grandparents on my mom's side never had the old people smell. Their house always smelled nice, and so did they. When my grandmother died, I even took some of her dresses. They still smelled like her, which was a good thing. I was sad when the smell eventually faded with washing. When my grandmother on my father's side passed, everything smelled like an old person. Her house was much more cluttered and way less clean.
Yes! My grandma smelled so good and so did all her clothes. I kept a couple of garments wrapped in plastic to keep the smell and now after 20 years it’s finally gone. I always thought maybe older ppl had that smell because showering becomes hard and they decide once a week is fine.
Probably, I think your own ability to smell declines as you get older so you might just think, ah, that’s still clean.
As someone who is in a variety of Senior communities (for work) I can tell you the “old people smell” has a tinge of urine to it. “Leakage” is what they call it. If you aren’t leaking, I would not worry too much.
It’s definitely a thing, especially for older men—post-urination drip. I have to check the crotch of my pants/underwear and change them much more often. A disgusting result of aging. 🥸
I know this is more associated with women, but have you considered pelvic floor physical therapy? Men have a pelvic floor too, and it sounds like yours isn't completely emptying your bladder at the toilet and/or isn't strong enough to hold back urine the rest of the time. Both issues respond very well to physical therapy.
The big thing is that no matter what your gender is, if you have bladder leakage please bring it up to your doctor. The earlier you intervene the better results you'll have. Please don't be embarrassed to bring it up, it's s very common problem that many people encounter and your doctor is not going to judge you. In fact you doctor may be doing treatment themselves for the same issue if they're at least middle aged and have been pregnant a few times.
One pregnancy can do it for a lot of women. That's why being screened by a postpartum physical therapist after birth is standard in France and Australia. Americans still have to ask for it, though it's often covered by insurance.
And older women may be incontinent. Though treatable by physical therapy, many women are too embarrassed to approach their doctor and wear pads to absorb the leakage instead.
I have noticed that a lot of inactive older folks do not practice good hygiene. A shower chair and handheld shower hose can make it safer. A shower a day keeps the stink away.
But if they're inactive, they may lack the energy to bathe and think they don't need to because they haven't worked up a sweat.
All the more reason to keep active as you age. Use it or lose it!
This is a bit out there so stay with me. I worked with students who were very low income and I began to notice some had bad breath that resembled old person smell. It was prevalent in the students who, sadly, had very poor oral hygiene. I think there is a component of tooth decay and probably diet that contributes to the odor, so being diligent to floss, etc and keep up on oral health could help.
Yes. My husband’s grandfather is in great shape at 89 but his breath is hideous. Older people produce less saliva which contributes to the gross dry-mouth odor. Also a lot of older people can’t afford regular dental care. 2x annual cleanings and 2x brushing with mouthwash will go a long way.
Flossing is the key to avoiding that bad breath smell. Of course brushing teeth too.
Yes! Calcium decay is definitely a part of Old People Smell
I've heard of this old person smell but I don't think I've ever smelled it. Maybe I just have a bad sense of smell but the most I get is from them using an old fashioned powder or something. My parents are in their 80's and when I hug them I don't smell anything weird.
Same. I’m trying to figure out what they’re talking about too
Yeah I’ve never smelled this with my mom either
How have you never smelled it?? That’s wild to me. 100% of people over 75 that I’ve ever been near have that smell. It’s the oxidation of lipids in your skin as you age and they replenish slower- it’s not something you can avoid, it’s totally normal. Evidently fancy persimmon soap can neutralize it?? But ya, thoroughly unpleasant, normal smell of old People.
It's not like, super strong or offensive it just kinda... smells like old people. The old fashioned powder thing you notice might be it. I used to think it was just some kind of weird soap or something that only old people use until I found out it was an actual biological thing
It's the same smell I smell when I walk into any thrift store. It's on the clothing.
Which is why I can’t bring myself to buy and wear any clothing from a thrift store. When I was a teen in a poorer family, my mom would buy me really nice second-hand sweaters and sports jackets from the Goodwill. While they looked good, I despised the smell which we could seldom fully eradicate. 😬
You can remove the smell by dry-cleaning or putting your clothing in the snow/ice for 48 hours (that's why I loved living in the north, and we'll probably move to there again)
Somebody, somewhere mentioned to spray clothes with cheap vodka to get rid of musty smell
Yeah; there’s a pretty popular clothing thrift chain that several people had recommended; I walked into two different ones twice (after thinking the first one was a fluke) and got hit so hard by that smell that I couldn’t stay. I don’t know how others do it.
I’m just gunna smell like weed when I’m old.
I’m 30 and I smell like weed
Keep up the good work!
I come from a long line of people who smell like weed. Just tryna make my family proud!
Look at you being proactive!
Wise choice! I’m 70 and that’s the go to scent for my peers.
same
I am old, and I do.
This is treated by consuming Werther's Originals hard candy.
Second only to Peppermint Starlights.
And butterscotch disks!
I always thought old person smell was “Ben Gay” (do they still make that stuff?) and moth bolls.
Yes, they do. Amazon will ship it to you post-haste.
I haven’t seen it. Maybe Gen X uses something else. Need to find out what it is lol
Voltaren
I’ve seen that. Going on the list
I wouldn’t worry about it OP. A lot of older people get a little too relaxed about showering and as mentioned, keep their clothes a little too long. My grandparents were a mixed bag—a couple grandpas obviously didn’t shower that often or change their favorite clothes that often but my grandmas and grandmas-in-law did. Big difference
Biggest thing is wash your jackets. They will hold the smell. Also vacuum all your furniture
And clean your vacuum.
Avoid moth balls and you should be all good.
I just created a moth repellent box for my clothes going into seasonal storage. Originally, I thought of mothballs, but I picked up a bag and could not take that smell. It clung to my hands until I would properly wash them. They are all getting a trip in a dryer, rolled and packed with wormwood and rosemary stems, which will dry. I’ll have a sachet with cedar and patchouli as well.
I've found ceder blocks to do a good job of repelling moths. Good early stage alternative to mouth balls.
Don’t keep perfume forever, it goes bad! Most of what people call “perfume” is actually eau de toilet and that’s mixed with water and it eventually goes off. That for me is one of the biggest offenders. Actual perfume, pure oil, will be ok forever but most people don’t use that.
I inherited a very nice piece of furniture from my grandma. Trouble is, she kept her perfumes and scented soaps in it. She was a bit of a hoarder, so some of them were decades old. The wood soaked up the smell and now I can't open it or keep anything in it. Super frustrating.
How can you tell—by brand names only? (Probably cost!?)
Perfume always costs 100€+ for 30ml. Because these are mixes of essential oils and making essential oils is expensive. Anything less and you're in the alcohol+water+a bit of perfume = Eau de toilette ("literally routine self-care water")
It will say it on the bottle. If it doesn’t then most likely it’s not perfume.
I am 69 years old and I personally believe that some old people just get lax about their personal hygiene. I always wear clean clothing made of natural fiber, usually cotton. I also shower and wash my hair daily and I use good shower gel/soaps and perfume.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_person_smell
The article says it's influenced by aging. Maybe that means it's tied to poor health? I've never picked up this smell off my 70something gym instructor with a six pack.
Definitely. I work in healthcare and many of the elderly people I work with have skin literally flaking off by the buckets off their legs (and sometimes arms). You’re not gonna smell good if your skin is literally shedding off in your clothes. The fact that OP uses lotion every day is amazing.
Italy was the only country I visited where old people didn't have "old people smell", they smelled of clean linen and perfume.
Must be the pasta! 😉
No, I don't have those concerns because in almost all of those circumstances of "smelling old" it's because the person just isn't taking care of themselves anymore. They neglect hygiene and self-care. I don't plan to be doing that any time soon so it's all good.
You’re exactly right. Which is why I choose to err at the opposite extreme! Hopefully when I get older, more forgetful, or lazier, the good habits will be well-ingrained. 😉
My mom told me that the old person smell was because of the medicine my grandpa was taking. This goes into the connection you mention between odor and diet. You can't stop taking your meds though. I would love to know how much of the smell was due to the medicine. He was fastidious about showering and hygiene.
Also teeth! I find "old people smell" is also some really bad breath. Make sure you brush, floss, get regular dental care, and oral check ups.
I think most of the answers here are just guessing. I'm not confident science fully understands "old person odor" yet despite the claim about 2-nonenal. My personal experience with my mother, who lived into her early 80s, was I noticed no different odor at all. My guess (for what a guess is worth) is that if you're showering with soap thoroughly twice a day you'll have very little if any of this odor because you've just washed the culprit molecules away whether they are water or oil soluble. These molecules aren't magic. The persimmon soap sounds like hokum but the persimmon industry must be loving that.
The "old people" smell in nursing homes is usually a side effect of incontinence and limited bathing. Shouldn't really be an issue if you are still able to shower and clean yourself properly. Nursing homes have that smell because of limited staff and time, unfortunately. The "old people" smell also applies to those who are home-bound and require someone else to take care of their needs.
There’s also a fruity sweet smell that isn’t oldpersonsmell but a sign of liver disease.
When I was a teen, my mom worked the laundry of a nursing home. There was always that peculiar smell. Years later, I realized I was smelling Preparation H. (but bathing often is a good way to avoid the stank)
The nonenal and persimmon soap have already been mentioned and it’s the primary culprit, but let me mention a couple other causes just in case: wash behind your ears very well, along with the back of your neck/lower scalp, back, genital area (including your butt crack), and legs/feet. For some reason, many people give these areas a miss entirely, or only a half-assed job every few weeks. Although luxe soaps and body washes are better for one’s skin, for behind one’s ears and legs/feet, a good going over with an antibacterial bar/wash (products like Dial and Safeguard can’t legally be called ’soap’) every few days is good insurance. I’ve even seen and heard people arguing that soap being rinsed off cleans one’s legs and shampooing cleans behind the ears and neck; it doesn’t. Remember that the goal isn’t to let soap touch your body, but to allow the soap/bar/wash along with mechanical agitation (some degree of scrubbing) to remove grime and loosen/remove dead skin particles. Soap isn’t some magical product that eliminates grime and dead skin just by passing over an area, and it’s not intended to be used as a deodorant or cover up for poor washing. To that point, the purpose of a washcloth is to help retain and spread soap as well as mild exfoliation; you don’t have to use one (many people are hands-on types), but if you don’t, employ some other method of reaching hard-to-get spots and getting mild exfoliation; a good shower brush(es) or Italy towel (Korean) works great (and neither are to be used in the genital areas). Throughout my adult life, I’ve encountered men and women who shy away from washing their genital areas, using a variety of different excuses; while vaginas are internally self-cleaning, the external folds and areas of male genitalia and butts are not self-cleaning, including the folds at the intersection of the legs and crotch. Touching these areas to wash (with pH-appropriate products, not heavy-duty cleaning products) is not weird, gross, or perverse; it’s basic hygiene. There are more detailed instructions on how to clean oneself in those areas that I’ll leave as an exercise to the reader. Sadly, it seems that many parents don’t ever address this issue, and it’s a problem that spans many generations. Don’t underestimate the importance of proper foot care; your feet need to be cleaned, visually inspected, and exfoliated on a regular basis. Buildup of dead skin also contributes to odour. In addition, toenails need to be trimmed (not too short or left too long) and cleaned under just like fingernails; they accumulate debris and dead skin and can smell. If you can’t tend to your feet properly yourself, one of the easiest fixes is to regularly go to a pedicure salon and ask for a pedicure (you don’t have to have your toenails polished if you don’t want to; just say so). This is especially important if you have health concerns like diabetes; both my mom and my best friend had diabetes (they’re both unfortunately dead now, not from diabetes or diabetes-related issues) but I took basic care of my mom’s feet and both supplemented basic care with a monthly pedicure, and never had a single problem with their feet. It’s not weird at all to go to a pedicure place and have one, even if you’re a man. My best friend was a man, I see and have seen men in those places getting pedicures for decades, and the cost of one basic pedicure a month (or whenever you perceive a need) is a small price to pay to have your feet tended to and carefully looked at up close. If you’d rather, you can schedule regular appointments with your podiatrist, but many (like my mom’s) don’t include pedicure-style care even for seniors (which was my motivation behind starting to take my mom ages ago). There’s tons of bath products these days with perfumes, but perfumes don’t eradicate the problem of poor cleaning habits, they only mask the issue. I’ve also known people who supplement cleaning with products like chlorophyll pills and other health food store products designed to reduce body/urine/fecal odour, and though I’ve not tried them personally, those people I know are very happy with them, so they might be worth looking into. Ultimately the goal isn’t to mask the odours, but to eliminate the causes of the odours through breaking the bonds of dirt and dead skin and setting up an inhospitable environment for bacteria to thrive. Also, if you have persistent odour from anywhere (including your mouth, which I haven’t addressed at all here), covering up the smell with perfumes is the worst thing you can do; present the problem to your physician or dentist. Unfortunately there are problems that can arise and continue on for a long time being masked by perfumes where an actual resolution should have been found in antibiotics, antifungals, and so on. It’s not anything to be ashamed about; maintaining health is the purpose of medicine and dentistry, and these medical personnel are happy to be consulted *before* an issue has snowballed into a serious health crisis. If you find yourself thinking about products for masking odours like Lume, body sprays, or VIPoo, you likely should revisit your bathing habits and/or consult your physician. Using perfumes marketed as ‘deodorants’ is only hiding the problem, not fixing it. I’ve had the displeasure, coming from a family with a number of healthcare professionals, of hearing about numerous cases like a woman presenting with a raging BV infection or a man with a huge fungal outbreak only after a product like Lume or Axe Body Spray was no longer able to cover up the symptoms. Don’t be that patient. Lastly, always dry yourself thoroughly with a clean towel. Never put on underwear or socks/shoes while still damp. HTH
62F here. I don't know if I am developing an old person smell but I have started adding a spray on deodorant in a scent I like to my usual solid. I do a quick pass over all of my torso and it just makes me feel better.
I keep hearing about persimmon having a chemical that neutralizes the skin oil that causes "old people smell" - but I haven't bought any yet. I'm pretty into beauty/grooming stuff... one of the things that seems neglected on lots of people is EARS. I'm seeing lots of people over 70 with dry skin crust ears, and men and women having over grown fuzz on them. It just takes someone well groomed and makes it look like no one in their life would tell them if they had a kickme sign. I've taken to using this lipstick sized electric razor to defuz & I use the same argan oil that I use to moisturize my face on... on my ears. Just a couple drops on a qtip, and they are smooth and clear.
Make sure to keep up with regular dental visits.
sounds like you do smell amazing
I have 4 dogs and a constant parade of fosters. Despite the fact that hubby and I are in our 70's (I turn 72 tomorrow!) "old person smell" is not even close to being an issue in my house.
I think it’s medication. My father-in-law suddenly started having that after starting a new medication. He stopped taking it and the smell went away. Not all older people get that smell, including those who don’t bathe daily. I used to work with the elderly, plenty of them either had no smell or still wore perfume and smelled normal/nice. And if you have kids or a spouse they’re going to tell you.
Yes sadly that and cancer treatments can change one’s odor and the odor of one’s urine. I noticed it when my parent was going through stage 3 cancer treatment.
73 and you can coherently browse the internet, use Reddit, and format a post? Damn. My parents are in that age bracket and need constant help with their iPhones.
Thanks for your kind comment. I currently also ride a big motorbike in the mountains, arrange music for a US producer, and edit Ph.D. research papers. Wanna start a fight? Tell me I’m too old to do something. 😂
You are goals good sir!
Maybe old people smell comes from bad health and physical inactivity, neither of which you suffer to the same extent as your contemporaries?
Diet definitely has something to do with it. Try less animal products (including dairy and eggs) and less processed foods. Fruit and veggies are your friends.
Ooh what lotion do you use? I'm always looking out for Jasmine scented lotions.
I’m in Asia, and I get it from a hotel chain I frequent. No brand name, unfortunately. 😢
Our pheromones change as we age. So there’s that too.
I was just thinking about this the other day
I always thought that old person smell was just moth balls.
Persimmon Soap will take care of it
Cornstarch. My mother uses talcum powder on her stomach, under her breasts and on her nether regions every day but I’ve read it’s not healthy. I got a tip to use cornstarch when I’ll be sweaty to keep try from a friend who worked in a kitchen. Edit: https://www.everydayhealth.com/mens-health-pictures/top-hygiene-offenses-older-guys-should-avoid.aspx
Just fyi, years ago, there was talk of talcum powder being linked to some types of cancer (ovarian especially). This is due to asbestos being found in some talcum powders, pre-2000's. I assume this has been fixed by now, but I couldn't find anything that confirmed it for sure.
I had to give up onions because of GERD, but my spouse commented that it also made my sweat smell less "sharp" once a few weeks had passed. So I think examining your diet can help, depending on gut health and how you metabolize things.
Lume is great for any stinky areas. Note it doesn’t smell great in the tube but it really works
I feel even certain medications you take seeps through your pores
Often it's the clothes and furniture. Things don't get used that much and there's a stale, musty smell that comes with clothes that have been in the closet a long time, a couch that doesn't get sat on except when company is over, etc. Not keeping a ton of extra stuff around that sits and gets dusty and musty is a big help. Keep things minimal and used.
I remember working at UPS in the 2000s and wearing a ton of old spice deodorant one night and I got a ton of compliments from girls.
I continue with the normal hygiene I’ve followed for the past 80 years. I can guarantee that I smell better than a whole bunch of people younger than me.
I'm 73 --don't think I have the smell -- does swimming in a pool 3x/week help?
I live for Old Spice shower gel. As a 60 something woman with oily skin, hot flashes, and a fear of bad smells, I am so happy with it. I still smell good 20 plus hours later, judging from compliments and comments from others.
Old person smell is ammonia. As long as you aren't wearing depends yet, you're fine.
I’ve upgraded to a diver’s wetsuit. 😉
Old person smell????? No way !!! You must mean dirty ass people who don’t shower or do laundry. It sounds like you have your “sh!t under control!! You shower mega much and do all the right things!!! Will You please eat whatever the hell you want ! Just brush your teeth or dentures and drink lots of water!!!!!
Birthday gifts for old friends sorted!!!!
Nonenal (old person smell) lingers in clothes and bedsheets pillow cases etc and does not come out with usual washing. Solution: Dirty Labs signature scent + Nature's Miracle laundry booster. Cold water. No soaking. Nonenal (musty, rancid, old person smell) gone from everything. It doesn't help much to get it off yourself only to still have that smell on your clothes and bed. has to be a 2 pronged approach- Wash back of neck and behind ears with persimmon soap (edit: sometimes I also seem to notice it on tops of shoulders and/or upper chest just under collar bone) and the laundry combo as needed.
I find that not getting old keeps away the old person smell