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Do people really smell different as they get older? The truth behind ‘old person smell’
The Guardian • • health
Key Points:
- As people age, their body odor changes due to the production of a chemical called 2-nonenal, which results from the oxidation of certain skin oils and is responsible for the so-called "old person smell."
- This odor change typically begins gradually around middle age, with 2-nonenal detectable from about age 40, but it increases slowly rather than appearing suddenly.
- The perception of "old person smell" as unpleasant is largely a stereotype; studies show that the odor from older adults is often rated as less intense and less unpleasant than that of younger groups.
- While 2-nonenal cannot be completely eliminated, regular bathing, washing clothes, and lifestyle choices like eating antioxidant-rich foods, avoiding smoking, and protecting skin from sun damage may help manage the odor.
- Experts emphasize that this natural change in scent is a normal part of aging and not a sign of poor hygiene, encouraging people not to feel self-conscious or invest heavily in special products.
