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Smells

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merlotgran Fri 06-Nov-26 23:27:35

I’ve come across this at large meetings as well and sometimes there can also be a whiff of inco pad.
I have also sat at the back of meetings wondering why some women, who probably visit the hairdresser once a week and never wash their own hair, pay little or no attention to the back of their heads. Unkempt hair probably adds to the fusty smell mentioned in the OP.

I’m 79 and I’ve worked out that the time spent on personal hygiene/appearance etc., is creeping up towards that spent on other routine tasks. Thank goodness we live in an age of heated shower rooms, washing machines, easy hair care etc.

As Maw says though, we need to be aware and not nose blind.

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SueDonim Fri 06-Nov-26 23:02:57

I’d imagine in someone of that age, it’s what they grew up with and continues the habit. They’re probably immune to the smell.

When we lived in Indonesia moth balls were used widely in domestic drains and plug holes to deter vermin. I’m sure we stunk of it but everyone’s house help used mothballs prolifically so we all smelt the same!

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MawlovesRosie Fri 06-Nov-26 20:56:39

Sightly delicate area.
I was at a U3A type class today (History) at a centre where we are all over 60 or in some cases a good bit older and a very elderly lady struggled in using a walker. I am full of admiration for some of our older and in many cases disabled students who struggle to attend but never give up.
Unfortunately she also brought with her an unmistakable aura of fusty, old clothes, combined with a top note of mothballs.
Not a question of personal odour like you sometimes encounter in care homes but quite pungent nevertheless. You know how you can get a whiff of it in some charity shops.
It set me thinking- do some people lose their sense of smell, or have they just become used to it- perhaps without anybody to gently nudge them?
Dry cleaning can be expensive but clothes need airing at the very least.
Perhaps her home is also stuffy, to conserve heat and save on energy costs, or she is wearing clothes which are long past their best before?
It made me realise that at 78 perhaps I need to be alert in this area too.
Anyway at the coffee break I took myself outside for 10 minutes for a brief walk and a breath of fresh air.
Getting old can be a minefield can't it?

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