Old person Smell

Nonenol. What a great user name for a Gransnetter ?

Bluesky - Marilyn Monroe was asked by a cheeky journalist what she wore in bed. Chanel No. 5 she replied!

Gaunt47 you are absolutely right of course and that's what I remind DH!

Maybe all this worry is to do with the fears of what old age is doing to our bodies.

My granddaughter aged 4 said to me a little while ago, "I love your smell Nanny you always smell of flowers" if you keep clean and your clothes and house clean I don't think you have too much to worry about!!! and I feel the cold and rarely open a window!!!

Anybody had an email from ebay asking if they are still interested in old person/man smell? It's advertising Japanese nonenal removal soap.

Hmm Big Brother is watching then .....!!

According to one lecture I had at university the smell is due to the kidneys not working as well as when young and the body then excretes toxins through the skin. Its not a BO smell and not everyone can smell it, like some other smells (ketones for example) the ability to smell it is genetic.
I remember with my parents it was slightly sour and am now noticing it with my father in law aged 92. Both bathed/shower every day.
I've just bought the Japanese soap, it was delivered yesterday and seems really nice.

Have read some, not all, the responses. Apologies if I repeat some of what already has been said.
The subject has interested me for years... The molecule responsible for the 'old people smell' is nonenal (nine carbon aldehyde, for those interested). Not sure how or why it is produced in older people, will have to read into that! Some alteration in our metabolism.
As has been mentioned above, washing regularly (I dry brush a few times a week too), washing clothes, bedding, airing the rooms even in winter. In the summer I wash duvets and air them in the sun whenever possible. All helps.
Our sense of smell varies from person to person, but it is the most direct of our senses, and it evokes strong, immediate responses and emotions. So for myself, as I am particularly sensitive to smells, I do my best not to have an 'iffy' one...

Just one thing I would add to my previous posts. I have found that since going vegan the nonenol smell is very much reduced (in my DH). I read in the links to research (given above) that it is composed of some kind of lipids so perhaps giving up the saturated fats in animal derived foods has reduced its presence.

And dogs can be trained to smell Parkinsons.

I occasionally smell a fusty odour on some people, they are not always that old, it's not their clothes- it's just part of them somehow.

Unfortunately I think a few elderly people are not so fastidious about their personal hygiene and perhaps they don't wash their clothes enough. Afraid it's young people too.

We all have our own unique smell; some more appealing than others, just like other aspects of being individuals.
I don't think it really matters, although B.O does make me cross.

occasionally smell a fusty odour on some people, they are not always that old

Don't tell me you go around supermarkets smelling people?
Try that here and you'd lose your sense of smell thanks to a bloodied nose!
Instead, apply for a job with Airport Security!,

Unfortunately I think a few elderly people are not so fastidious about their personal hygiene
Like they say in OZ; as dry as a Pommy's bath towel!

My grand son has a strong sense of smell and he told me a while ago that I smell nice so that is reassuring. I'm sure he will be the first to tell me if I smell bad!

We took the Grannies Bus out today and, with this thread in mind, I did a bit of research.....well I subtly sniffed a few grannies. From my research I can confirm that there is a definite 'old woman' smell. However not all old ladies smell of it and some of the oldest ladies don't but some of the younger old ladies do. So it would seem that there is an 'old lady' smell but there doesn't seem to be a definitive age when it develops and some old ladies don't seem to develop it at all. Fingers crossed none of us develop it.

I am having hilarious visions of Grans all over the world sniffing each other!! I am now getting emails from ebay advertising deodorants. I wish I'd never asked!!

GillT57 I read years ago that Chinese people think that Westerners smell of fish.

'Old ladies smelling of lavender'
Oh dear, I thought my Jo Malone perfume was right on trend!

Oh Grandma2213 I wish!
I've got adverts for Steradent.

And I've still got my own teeth (nearly), although I am going to the dentist tomorrow.

I'm wondering who has shares in the Persimmon soap business. Still, we can't deny the scientific facts about our body chemistry and smell changing as we age. I'm getting adverts for pet beds - very strange!

Callistemon and Hetty58 I must admit the adverts for penis extensions really flummoxed me though! I'm the only one who uses this laptop!

I'd say that you win Grandma2213!

Maybe I have a very masculine smell Hetty!

penis extensions?

You learn something new every day on GN.