Who says old people don't smell too bad? Sure, less hormones, fewer violently unpleasant odors. But different strokes for different folks, one man's meat is another man's poison. Old men's smells are not sexy, they're more like stale, rusty, and medicinal. Not any better than the odors produced by sweaty young men full of hormones.
So what's the science behind old man smell? What causes it? And how do we combat this unavoidable scent?
What is the "Old Man Smell"?
There isn't a universally recognized name for the scent associated with elderly men. The term "old man's smell" or "old people smell" is associated with age-related changes in diet, physical activity, immune function, and medication use. All of that can contribute to alterations in the gut microbiome. Additionally, other health conditions, such as gastrointestinal disorders or chronic diseases, can also affect the gut bacteria composition.
The Science Behind Old Man Smell
As we age, our bodies go through many changes, including hormonal changes, diet, and lifestyle habits. Here's a look at the science behind "old man smell":
- Skin Changes: As skin ages, it becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic, affecting the production of odorous compounds and reducing the activity of sweat and oil glands.
- Microbial Changes: The skin hosts various microorganisms, and the balance of these microbes can shift as people age. An increase in certain bacteria that break down sweat compounds can lead to stronger body odors.
- Sebum Production Alterations: Aging can alter sebum production by the sebaceous glands, affecting the skin's moisture balance and potentially contributing to a distinct body odor.
- Impact of Lifestyle Choices: Hygiene habits and lifestyle factors quite hugely influence body odor. Choices in diet, medications, and personal care routines can all affect how someone smells as they age.
3-Methyl-2-Hexenoic Acid and Sebum Production
"3-methyl-2-hexenoic" acid and "sebum production" are linked to each other and can have an impact on body odor.
- Sebum, the oily substance produced by our skin, provides moisture and protection to the skin.
- When sebum interacts with certain bacteria on the skin, it undergoes chemical reactions.
- The chemical reactions produce 3-methyl-2-hexenoic acid, which is known for its strong odor.
Changes in sebum production can affect the availability of the substrate for bacteria to break down. If sebum production decreases, less material for bacteria may act upon, which could impact the amount of 3-methyl-2-hexenoic acid generated.
Is an Old Man's Smell Different From an Old Woman's Smell?
Men tend to have higher levels of testosterone, which can influence the production of sweat and the composition of body odor.
On the other hand, women may have more diverse microbial communities on their skin due to factors like hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle.
Emotional Stress and Body Odor
Nerves can indirectly affect body odor.
The "sympathetic nervous system" is responsible for the body's "fight or flight" response. When activated, it can stimulate the sweat glands to produce more sweat. Increased sweating can create an environment for bacteria on the skin to break down sweat components.
- Emotional stress can trigger the release of stress hormones like adrenaline, which can activate the sweat glands and lead to increased sweating.
- Certain medical conditions that affect the nerves, such as autonomic neuropathy, can disrupt the regulation of sweat production. This can result in abnormal sweating patterns and potentially affect body odor.
Older adults may experience increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, or physical discomfort when feeling nervous. These physical symptoms may be more pronounced or noticeable due to age-related changes in the body.
How to Combat Old Man Smell - The Diet
Maintaining a healthy diet can contribute to a well-functioning gut system and help reduce body odor. Here are some dietary tips that may help improve your gut health and potentially minimize odor:
Fiber-rich foods
Include ample amounts of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and seeds in your diet. These foods provide dietary fiber that supports healthy digestion and encourages the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Probiotic-rich foods
Consume foods that contain natural probiotics, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and other fermented foods. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help restore and maintain a healthy gut flora balance.
Hydration
Drink plenty of water to ensure adequate hydration. Staying hydrated supports proper digestion and can help prevent constipation, which can contribute to odor.
Limit processed foods
Reduce your intake of processed and refined foods, which tend to be low in fiber and may disrupt the balance of gut bacteria. These foods often lack essential nutrients and can negatively impact digestive health.
Reduce refined sugars
High intake of refined sugars can promote the growth of undesirable bacteria in the gut. Opt for natural sugars from fruits and limit your consumption of sugary beverages and sweets.
Avoid trigger foods
Certain foods can exacerbate body odor. Common triggers include;
- Strong spices, garlic, onions,
- Cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage).
Why Avoid Cruciferous Vegetables?
So why should you not eat too much cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower?
These vegetables contain sulfur compounds. When digested, sulfur compounds are broken down, and some byproducts can be released through the skin, breath, and sweat glands. These byproducts may have a noticeable odor.
Use Antiperspirants and Deodorants
Antiperspirants and deodorants are different products, although they are often used together for enhanced odor and sweat control.
- Antiperspirants are specifically designed to reduce or block perspiration (sweating) by temporarily plugging the sweat ducts. They typically contain aluminum-based compounds that form a gel-like barrier on the skin's surface, inhibiting the release of sweat. By reducing sweat production, antiperspirants can help minimize moisture and dampness, which can contribute to body odor.
- Deodorants, on the other hand, are intended to neutralize body odor. They work by containing antimicrobial agents that help inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the skin. Deodorants often contain fragrances or essential oils that provide a pleasant scent to mask any existing odor.
Other Obvious Points
- Practice Good Hygiene: The best way to prevent old man smell is by taking care of your hygiene. Take regular baths or showers and use soap and shampoo specifically designed for men.
- Wear Clean Clothes: Make sure that your clothes are clean and washed regularly with detergent that has a strong scent.
- Keep Your Environment Clean: Regularly cleaning your living space, including carpets and curtains, will help eliminate any musty odors that may contribute to old man smell.
My old man was 79 when he passed. My memory of his last 10 years was a smell of urine. He couldn’t help it. It’s not like he wet himself but he dribbled every time he used a bathroom. He was aware of it and he washed all his stuff, separated his clothes from mine and washed his beddings every few days but still he knew he couldn’t get rid of the smell. The cost of washing and detergent was huge. We tried all kinds of odor eliminator chemicals but they made it worse.
Thank you, Joe, for sharing your story.
I think Japanese and Koreans think some foods can make your body smell less smelly, calling these foods “deodorant foods.” It’s like they have magic powers against BO but it’s not scientifically proven. Things like green tea, persimmons, and funny-sounding things like shiso and myoga. And Spinich. They might work because especially they eat a lot of pungent food like garlic in Korea. I have tried them but don’t know if they actually worked. I just had to keep clean and eat healthy.
Thank you for your comment. Sounds like it’s worth giving them a try.