Body odor of old age: the specific aroma emanating from elderly people can create some discomfort. It can be so strong that it eats into furniture upholstery, home textiles, and cleaning does not help to neutralize it. Understanding the causes of old age odor will also help in the question of how to get rid of it. Some people associate it with a lack of hygiene, but most often the problem lies in circumstances that are beyond the control of pensioners.
Why do elderly people develop old age odor
The main reason is 2-nonenal (a chemical compound), which is typical for people over 45. Hormonal levels change at this age, the production of fatty acids increases. Their oxidation provokes the appearance of 2-nonenal. It is a fatty compound that has no color, but has a pronounced odor, something like old lipstick with notes of resin and mustiness.
This substance is firmly retained on the skin, especially on the chest and back, does not dissolve in water, and cannot be washed off. Particles of 2-nonenal remain even after bathing.
There are other causes of the smell of old age from the body, which aggravate the effect of the chemical compound. Among them:
- dietary features. The smell is stronger in people who consume a lot of fatty, fried, spicy foods. They increase the content of toxins and can disrupt metabolism. From this point of view, a diet consisting of low-fat protein foods, fruits and vegetables is safe;
- some medications. Anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, antibiotics and drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases can increase sweat secretion, while changing its composition and increasing the acidity of the skin. All this makes the characteristic smell of old age more intense. In this case, a doctor’s consultation and a review of the treatment regimen will help;
- failures in the excretory organs. Liver disease and chronic renal failure prevent the elimination of toxins, increase the concentration of ammonia;
- bad habits. Alcohol and nicotine directly affect the quality of the skin, including giving it an unpleasant odor and enhancing the effect of 2-nonenal;
- chronic diseases. For example, diabetes increases blood glucose levels and causes sweating. Stomach ulcers, colitis, and other digestive disorders also have a negative effect;
- poor hygiene. It is impossible to wash off 2-nonenal, but you cannot neglect regular showers. Some elderly people are unable to take care of themselves due to weakness and cognitive impairment.
Often, several of these factors are combined. It is important to find the root cause of the problem in order to cope with it.
How to get rid of the smell of old age
This aroma is persistent, it cannot be removed by ordinary airing or frequent washing of clothes. In this situation, an integrated approach is needed to help cope with this discomfort.
Diet
The menu should be revised first of all. Doctors recommend that the older generation give up trans fats and sugar, especially if a person suffers from diabetes. You should be careful with spices and garlic, they not only smell strong on their own, but also affect the composition of sweat.
It is worth adding the following products to the menu:
- lean meat;
- cereals;
- non-starchy vegetables;
- greens;
- low-fat dairy products (kefir, yogurt, cottage cheese);
- non-acidic fruits and berries, as well as fruit drinks.
You can also supplement your diet with vitamin complexes (before taking them, you must consult a doctor).
Specialist recommendations are also necessary in the presence of chronic diseases that impose restrictions on nutrition. Diabetes, a common cause of old age odor, requires strict control of sugar and carbohydrate intake.
You should also follow a drinking regimen, drink about 1.5 liters of clean water per day to maintain the excretory system. The exact figure depends on individual needs and health status. Patients with kidney disease require a consultation with a nephrologist.
Personal hygiene
Water procedures should be daily. It is important to provide comfort for the elderly: install handrails, buy anti-slip mats and a special chair for bathing. A bath can be replaced with a shower, for example, a contrast shower, alternating warm and cool water. It speeds up metabolism, improves skin condition and body thermoregulation.
Instead of standard soap, you should choose a shower gel with a neutral pH level. You can use hypoallergenic detergents for washing. The washcloth should be soft: the skin becomes thinner with age, sensitivity increases, so hard materials can injure it. After bathing, use moisturizing lotions and creams.
A bedridden person should be wiped down regularly. Antibacterial wipes and wet toilet paper can be used. People suffering from incontinence wear adult diapers or urological pads. The bed linen is changed frequently, preventing the smell from being absorbed into the textiles.
Teeth should also be brushed daily. Additionally, use floss, a brush to remove food debris from between the teeth, and mouthwash to disinfect the oral cavity.
Clothing care
An elderly person needs things made of natural materials like cotton and linen. The fabric should “breathe”, evaporate moisture so that sweat does not accumulate. Wash clothes every day, store on hangers, not in piles.
Doctor’s help
Chronic diseases are a good reason to consult a specialist: endocrinologist, nephrologist and others. An unpleasantly smelling body is not the only complication, there are more serious consequences, so a visit to the doctor can solve several problems at once.
How to get rid of the smell of old age in the apartment
Cleaning should be regular. It is important not to let the aroma accumulate, for this you should:
- clean the space. It is unnecessary things, especially textiles, that absorb and retain unpleasant odors. A pensioner may be prone to hoarding and reluctant to part with property. It is important to be patient, it may not be possible to clean the apartment in one go;
- let in fresh air. Ventilation should be done several times a day;
- treat upholstered furniture, curtains. Neutralizers will help remove the absorbed odor. There are also products manufactured specifically for bedridden patients;
- place fragrances. You can use sachets, pieces of soap, herbs to place them on shelves with linen.
The main work of maintaining order in the house usually falls on the shoulders of relatives, since it is difficult for a pensioner to cope with cleaning and hygiene procedures due to age.
