It's Natural
Have you ever heard someone claim that old people have a distinct smell? As we age, it's completely natural for our scent to change.
"Old People Smell"
"Old people smell" isn't an inherently bad thing, nor is it offensive. Most often, it describes the light sweet musk that usually emanates from the older population.
Age Discrimination
A 2012 study revealed that most people aren't actually repulsed by "old people smell" unless they know it's coming from an elderly person. This suggests that age discrimination alters one's perception of scent.
We're Constantly Changing
The human body's chemical makeup changes over a lifetime, directly affecting body odor. This even occurs in other animal species. According to research, these changes in scent allow us to identify someone's age based on their smell alone.
The Start Of Life Vs. The End Of Life
For instance, while there is "old people smell," there is also "new baby smell." Newborns have an odor that's unique and fresh, which is pleasant to new mothers. This can help the mother and child create a closer bond.
The Odor Of Teenagers
However, as we grow into teenagers and experience puberty, our smell becomes extremely distinct and strong—and not always in a pleasant way. The body's chemistry undergoes a radical change and our scent reflects this.
Your Scent Is A Signal
As an adult, your body odor reflects your health and fertility, which can help attract a suitable mate.
What Causes "Old People Smell?"
The compound 2-nonenal affects the odor of older adults over 40. When chemicals like omega-7 unsaturated fatty acids break down in the body, 2-nonenal is the resulting byproduct. Its levels rise as we grow older. This causes a musty, slightly greasy, smell in older folks.
However, there are also other factors affecting body odor.
Skin Bacteria
Another factor to consider is the interaction between bacteria on our skin and skin gland secretions. There are also different kinds of skin bacteria and chemical compounds in our body that influence the body's odor over time.
A Common Misconception
Though some may believe that "old people smell" is from dirty environments or bad hygiene, this just isn't true. Even the most hygienic old person, who regularly bathes, will likely have this natural scent.
Your Environment Soaks In Your Odor
It's normal for your odor to transfer to your furniture and clothing, and even a good washing might not be able to fully eradicate it. However, if you wish, there are some ways to combat "old people smell."
Do Your Laundry Often
To get rid of tough odors, you can try using odor-eliminating detergents or fabric refreshers. Doing your laundry more will keep your odors from permeating your surroundings.
Exercise Frequently
To improve your overall physical health, which includes your skin, try incorporating an exercise routine into your lifestyle. This will likely benefit your body odor and can help control the 2-nonenal chemical compound.
Exercising leads to sweating, releasing toxins from the body. It also decreases stress levels, which is a factor affecting body odor.
The Importance Of Hydration
Drinking water frequently flushes toxins from the body. Hydration is also one of the keys to great skin and can minimize the consequences of nonenal.
Antioxidants
By incorporating foods that are rich in antioxidants, your skin is bound to benefit. These include fruits and vegetables like spinach, berries, and bell peppers. Focusing on the health of your skin will help mitigate the scent of aging.
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Tackle Your Stress
Balancing your cortisol levels can help control body odor, especially if you are someone who struggles with stress or anxiety. Relaxation techniques are tools that can help your nervous system return to a place of balance and peace.
Relaxation Techniques
To reduce your stress levels, there are several techniques you can try, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or tai chi. But that's not all.
Finding Community
A sense of community also plays a large role in the amount of stress you carry. A healthy social life is important to cultivating your sense of belonging in the world. We can find this in our family and friends, but also through support groups and community events.
Cultivate Your Hobbies
You can also de-stress with your solitary pursuits. For instance, finding a hobby that centers you can become a great way to relax on a daily basis. This is important because your body odor may mirror your stress levels.
Quit Smoking
If managing one's body odor is linked to your health, it may go without saying that quitting smoking is in your best interest. The smell of tobacco can heighten "old people smell" as it easily sinks into clothing and furniture. Sometimes, aging is associated with this distinct stale odor.
Air Out Your Rooms
If the air circulation in your living space is poor, odors are likely to thrive. To combat a stuffy room, try aerating the area by opening windows or using an air purifier.
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High-Quality Clothing
Not all clothes are created equal and some cheaper garments are made from non-breathable material like polyester. This will likely affect your odor because it increases sweating and locks in moisture. Try choosing pieces made of linen and cotton to keep yourself cool and dry.
Clean Your Sheets
This may sound obvious, but cleaning your sheets regularly is a great way to reduce "old people smell." As you sweat in bed, bacteria naturally accumulate. The longer you delay washing your bedding, the more your body odor sinks into the furniture, giving your sheets that signature musty scent.
