We may have all had the experience: when close to the elderly, we often can detect a unique and indescribable smell, commonly known as “old person smell”. It is not an isolated case, many adults choose to silently endure it to maintain the elderly’s dignity, but children’s frankness can sometimes make the elderly feel embarrassed and psychologically burdened, posing a potential impact on their physical and mental health.
The phenomenon of “old person smell” typically begins to manifest around the age of forty, with males being more prominent. Part of the reason is that males may not pay as much attention to diet and lifestyle habits as females do, common habits like smoking, drinking, etc., combined with a slowed metabolism rate, leading to the accumulation of sebum on the skin surface, gradually forming dead skin. In comparison, females experience this phenomenon to a lesser extent during middle age due to the protective effects of estrogen in their bodies.
When exploring the causes of “old person smell”, personal hygiene habits play a significant role. Lack of regular cleaning, such as infrequent bathing and changing of clothes, can lead to body odor; irregular oral hygiene and consumption of stimulating foods like garlic can cause bad breath. As age increases, more skin creases become hiding spots for dirt and bacteria, further exacerbating the issue. Additionally, unhealthy dietary habits, such as a preference for greasy, spicy foods, can increase the burden on the elderly’s already weakened digestive system, leading to food residues fermenting and releasing odors through the mouth or skin.
It is worth noting that even people with good hygiene and dietary habits in daily life can emit odors similar to rotten apples due to chronic conditions such as slow metabolism, high blood sugar, etc., affecting normal protein breakdown.
Although aging is irreversible, we can still combat “old person smell” by improving personal hygiene and adjusting our diet. Keeping the body clean, brushing teeth morning and night, rinsing after meals, maintaining bathing and changing clothes frequency even in cool seasons, and regularly airing bedding. In terms of diet, reducing intake of greasy, high-salt, high-sugar foods, advocating for a light diet, ensuring daily vitamin intake, and adequate hydration to promote healthy digestive system function. These measures not only help eliminate odors but also enhance overall health.
