We all know the joke about that specific smell that reminds us of older people. We know it when we smell it, but have you ever wondered what causes old people smell in the first place.
What Causes Old People Smell
Sometimes it’s musty. Sometimes it smells medical. It’s oddly uncomfortable to smell. Why is that?
There are ten reasons experts say cause that specific smell.
1. Close Quarters
If you’ve spent time with a senior, their homes are a bit stuffy. Some homes will have the heat on, windows shut tight, shades are drawn, and curtains over the shades.
There is no fresh air.
Older people tend to be cold all the time, that’s why they shut everything up. Or it could be because they are scared. They feel defenseless, and that’s why they shut everything up.
2. The Cleaning Conundrum
Seniors have a hard time keeping their homes clean. This can be because their bodies are weak, or they are often dizzy.
Dust, mold, mildew, and dander build up and cause the air to smell stale. Rotten food, accidents (both pet and human) that haven’t been cleaned up also add to the smell.
3. Laundry Limitations
You probably think doing a load of laundry is nothing, but it’s different for seniors. They don’t wash their clothes so much because it takes too much effort.
If your senior’s house smells and you can’t tell where it’s coming from, check the closet.
4. Sensory Decline
One explanation for that older person’s smell is simple. An elder’s sense of smell declines as they get older. It’s been said that by the time you are in your 70s, you’ve lost 75% of your sense of smell.
So they literally don’t notice the smell.
This means that if they don’t keep up with their hygiene or if there are food stains on their clothes, they don’t notice because they can’t smell it.
5. Dental Dilemma
As you age, you make less saliva, which is why dry mouth is so common among older people.
Saliva is your best defense against bad breath. It washes the food particles and bacteria out of your mouth.
Also, overall, mouth hygiene becomes less of a priority as you age, causing more bad breath. Dentures and bridgework, which are made of acrylic, can retain germs and odors if not replaced after around a decade.
6. Not as Thirsty
Dehydration is common among older people. This can cause a certain smell in a few ways.
When you don’t drink enough water, everything becomes more concentrated, and odors come out through the pores. Dry skin sheds skin cells, which can have a musty odor.
Any odors from food, like garlic or onion, become stronger. Urine is more concentrated, so just a drop or two can create a strong smell.
7. Bathing Issues
With not wanting to take baths as often later in life, some smells can accumulate. This aversion is because showers seem to take so much work, and seniors feel like there’s no point. They aren’t going out or seeing anyone around.
Fear is another factor. Many are afraid of falling.
8. That Medicinal Smell
Seniors take a lot of medications, which can cause a subtle chemical odor that we link with aging. Any sulfur drug has a strong smell that can escape through the pores. There’s also the smells of the ointments and creams that they use.
9. Cleaning Without Really Cleaning
You think of a chemical antiseptic smell when you think of older people. This comes from ammonia and other antiseptic cleaners and air fresheners that facilities use to clean accidents.
The problem is that there isn’t a deep enough clean, so really it just masks the smell.
10. Surrounded by Stuff
Old stuff gives off the musty odor of age, and seniors tend to be surrounded by stuff. All those old books and papers, linens and clothes, they all collect dust and dampness. This gives off that musty smell.
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