According to AgingCare.com…
Many
people are familiar with it: the grassy or greasy odor that so often
permeates elder care facilities, our grandparents' homes and other
similar places. Commonly referred to as "old people smell," this odor is
actually called "nonenal," and it is widely (and unfortunately)
misunderstood in the United States.
According
to a study published by the "Journal of Investigative Dermatology," an
increase of nonenal is associated with aging. Found only in participants
aged 40 and older, nonenal is a component of body odor that is produced
when omega-7 unsaturated fatty acids on the skin are degraded through
oxidation.
Despite these findings, many people
think that nonenal is the result of poor bathing habits. Others believe
that the smell, which is difficult to detect on oneself but lingers on
pillowcases, shirt collars and other such fabrics, is completely
impossible to combat. However, neither of these assumptions has any
basis in actual fact; it is far beyond time to illuminate the truth
about Nonenal, especially in America where the elderly already suffer
from negative bias.
What causes old people smell?
Nonenal
(old people smell) production is a natural by-product of the aging
process. Caused by the deterioration of the skin's antioxidant defenses,
nonenal production usually begins around age 40 in both men and women,
and may be exacerbated by hormonal changes such as menopause.
As
the skin grows weaker, its natural oils become oxidized more quickly.
Fatty acids, which are secreted by the sebaceous glands, react to the
oxygen in the air to form nonenal. Because it isn't water soluble,
nonenal can remain on the skin despite washing, even remaining after
intense scrubbing. Therefore, the smell persists, even in extremely
clean environments.
How do you get rid of old people smell?
Reducing
nonenal odor can be accomplished by following a healthy lifestyle:
exercising regularly, avoiding stress, abstaining from smoking, drinking
alcohol only in moderation, eating a clean diet, drinking plenty of
water and getting enough rest.
On a personal note from me…
I
have found that airing the person's room or house is helpful because,
as we age, going out (even just to sit in the porch or get mail) is much
more difficult, so not done as often or willingly. Also, the elderly
have a much harder time regulating their body temp. Keeping the room or
house warm and closed up is easier than the labor of dressing and
undressing that younger people take so much for granted.
Hope this helped.