Why do old people smell funny?

Question

I'm not talking about those who don't have baths. Just that general "old person" smell.

I noticed a lot of the 'wrinklies' replied on this one too, which thank you for. Notice a lot of 'em did the old "during the war..." routine hahaha!

That's fine, that'll be my next question. Why do old people always answer questions with "during the war" and similar?

Answer 1

I'm one of these 'old folk' I now feel deeply hurt and humiliated at the answers I have just read !
However I do still have a little sense of humour left in this old and decrepit brain! Your question reminds me of one of the jokes going around in the UK when I wondered the same thing,The question was:-
What is half a mile long and smells of urine? The answer:-
The line outside the post office on pension collection day!!I
Another thing I recall about my younger days was the smell of mouth balls coming from the old folk, you probably didn't know moths had any?
I am happily married to an old granny , she smells lovely to me , I dont care what the majority of your answers say do they really think we go out of our way to be smelly?
I think I may be arrested soon for going around trying to check your theory out by sniffing at all the old folk I know!!
BTW, During the war....................

Answer 2

Though it is unfortunate, it is true that some old people do have some strong smells emanating from them. Some causes could be as under:
Breath: All people have bad breath, despite any steps they may take to avoid them. For old people, it has been scientifically established that due to wearing of dentures, general decline in digestive and evacuation powers, presence of conditions like diabetes/constipation, etc., their breath smells worse.
Body odor: Inability to have regular and proper bath due to age related problems make for increase in body odor like sweat, grime, etc.
Clothes: Many old people either cannot afford to or have very few fresh clothes to wear. Some of them also need a lot of help in changing clothes which they may not do as regularly as others. This results in extra odor.
Personal hegiene: Due to poor mobility or inability to exercise their muscles, several old persons cannot have control over their normal excretory functions such as passing urine or feces.
Sometimes, they are unable to clean themselves properly after relieving themselves. This contributes to bad smell.
The gradual decline in their powers of smell and hearing also does not permit old people to realise that they are smelly.
While these are some of the causes, we should realise that everyone grows old, sometime or the other. Old age is an inevitable stage of human existence, and should not be reviled by anyone. While odors associated with old people aren't pleasant at all, everyone needs to understand and empathise with old people and help them. One only needs to remember that old age would affect himself too, sooner or later.

Answer 3

Speak for Yourself ---- I,m only 126 Years of AGE and I don,t Stink --- I only smell of Beer when I get back from Having my 10 Pints on a Friday Night at the Disco -- Obviously that,s if some Drunken Teenage Yob Hasn,t VOMITED on my Clothes or PISSED on My shoes ...Have a Nice Day ......

Answer 4

I think it's because the older generation considers showering or bathing daily to be unnecessary. Remember they come from a generation of children who had a weekly bath. Also, as you get older you tend not to be able to see as well and so probably can;'t see to clean up all the dirt in your house.

Answer 5

It is because their bodies, including senses are getting old, and they don't realise it.

They loose the colours at the deep red and high blue end of their eyesight, and like yellows, thus turn their homes into brown hovels. They loose the high end of the hearing. The low end of the smell range (earthy smells).

the pours that supply oils (tallow) in our skin get less productive, and the skin gets thinner, so has to last longer, thus it is a bit more musty in smell.

the valves in the body develop a few leaks, as the muscles grow old, so there is a little seepage as well.

the skin gets rougher, so it is more able to hold onto dusts and dirt's, than younger skin.

Answer 6

I think rotting flesh is a bit extreme (! - first answer) but they attract more bacteria and therefore more infections. For example, the lining of the bladder is not longer smooth, so harbours more bacteria, same for the bowel.

Answer 7

Have you ever noticed that young people smell like bird nests?

Answer 8

You'll find out soon enough Kant. But by then you won't give a damn, and will despise the youngster who asks such an impertinent question.

Answer 9

The use of old-fashioned lotions that old people blindly continue to use despite advancements in toiletry products.

Answer 10

Because they are old. I notice some teenagers also have a peculiar odor too.