Skip to content
Breaking News

Breaking News

  • Home
  • World
  • Business
  • Health
  • Entertainment
  • Life Style
  • Sports
  • Toggle search form

‘Old people smell’ is real, experts say — here’s how to avoid it as you age

Posted on July 5, 2025 By Admin No Comments on ‘Old people smell’ is real, experts say — here’s how to avoid it as you age


NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Many people have posted on social media about the so-called “old people smell,” described as a faintly musty or greasy scent sometimes associated with older adults. 

This phenomenon is more science than stigma, experts say.

“I think we all know this smell,” Dr. Dan Wesson, professor at the University of Florida College of Medicine, told Fox News Digital.

ALZHEIMER’S RATES HAVE REACHED STAGGERING NUMBER AS EXPERTS CALL FOR CHANGE

“Some describe it as dusty, like an old book. Others as oily or greasy. None of these, of course, are flattering descriptions, and that’s why this isn’t the kind of smell you want to label a person with,” he noted.

Many people have posted on social media about the so-called “old people smell,” described as a faintly musty or greasy scent sometimes associated with older adults.  (iStock)

The biology of aging and body odor

The skin is the largest organ in the body, so it makes sense that it will undergo significant changes as the body ages, according to Wesson.

For most of our lives, body odor stems from sweat, bacteria and dead skin, which can be addressed with basic hygiene. But with aging, changes in skin composition and oil production make smells more complex, the expert noted.

“Skin cells accumulate damage over time,” he said — and those damaged cells can release compounds that contribute to odor.

HIGHER DEMENTIA RISK SEEN IN WOMEN WITH COMMON HEALTH ISSUE

A key culprit is 2-nonenal, a compound that emerges from lipid oxidation, which is the process of fats in the cells breaking down due to imbalances in the body, studies show.

This compound is unique to aging skin and has a greasy, cardboard-like odor.

Older woman putting on perfume

For most of our lives, body odor stems from sweat, bacteria and dead skin, which can be addressed. But as we age, that changes. (iStock)

2-nonenal is not easily washed off with regular hygiene practices, “by nature of its fatty composition,” Wesson said.

“This is why managing this body odor requires more complex solutions,” he said.

Wesson suggests taking a more holistic approach by eating antioxidant-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated and using antioxidant skincare.

Other contributing factors

Some medications — including those for high cholesterol, ADHD or depression — could also impact the body’s metabolism and how much it sweats, contributing to odor, according to Wesson.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Hormones can also influence how people smell. Post-menopausal women often experience changes in skin and scent due to declining estrogen levels, studies show.

“Hormone replacement therapy can ward off some changes that may alter body odor – though [HRT] is not without risks and should be discussed carefully with your doctor,” Wesson said.

Older person pouring pills into hand.

Some medications — including those for high cholesterol, ADHD or depression — could also contribute to odor. (iStock)

Olfactory red flags

Not all odor changes are normal, experts warn.

“A sudden change in body odor can be a warning sign of an underlying health issue,” Wesson warned.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Diseases like cancer and dementia, for example, can alter body chemistry and scent. 

“If your loved ones report a sudden change, you should consult your doctor,” Wesson advised.

Older couple hugging.

“If your loved ones report a sudden change, you should consult your doctor,” a medical expert advised. (iStock)

Some people may worry about how they smell even when others wouldn’t notice. That concern could stem from parosmia, a distorted sense of smell, or olfactory hallucinations, where unpleasant smells are imagined.

“People can perceive odors that aren’t there at all,” Wesson said. “It’s important to consider whether it’s a real odor or just a change in perception.”

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

By understanding the biology behind age-related odor and taking a proactive approach to health and skincare, this condition can be managed, experts say.

Khloe Quill is a lifestyle production assistant with Fox News Digital. She and the lifestyle team cover a range of story topics including food and drink, travel, and health. 



Source link

Health

Post navigation

Previous Post: Saturday Sessions: Billianne performs “Jessie’s Comet”
Next Post: Unseen. Misunderstood. Suicidal | The Express Tribune

More Related Articles

Karachi reports first confirmed mpox case; health officials on alert Health
Lucy Letby sentenced to 15th whole life term Health
At-home health test maker Thorne explores sale – Reuters News Agency Health
CDC stepping up efforts to get kids vaccinated ahead of school year Health
Women eat less meat than men? Health
“Bachelorette” star Zac Clark reflects on overcoming drug addiction in letter to his younger self Health

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts

  • Spurs target Gibbs-White signs new Forest deal
  • Toxic air exposure significantly raises dementia risk, finds study
  • This Gorgeous European Country Allows Tourists Without A Schengen Visa
  • Pakistan joins global AI community | The Express Tribune
  • Thailand and Cambodia Trade Heavy Fire in Escalating Conflict – SUCH TV

Categories

  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Health
  • Life Style
  • Sports
  • World

Copyright © 2025 Breaking News.

Powered by PressBook Blog WordPress theme