What Causes Body Odor in Older Adults?

causes of body odor in seniors

Aging brings many changes, and one of them is a change in body odor. Whether caused by hormonal shifts, lifestyle factors, or the natural aging process itself, body odor in older adults can be managed effectively. Here’s how caregivers can help their loved ones stay fresh, confident, and comfortable.

Caregivers may sometimes notice a grassy or greasy scent on their aging care recipients. Commonly referred to as “old person smell,” this distinct odor, known medically as nonenal, is a normal part of aging that typically begins around age 40 and becomes more noticeable over time.

Nonenal forms when the natural oils in aging skin break down. Specifically, omega-7 unsaturated fatty acids oxidize, producing a compound called 2-nonenal. Around middle age, the body’s natural antioxidant defenses begin to decline, allowing this process to occur more readily. A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology confirmed that 2-nonenal is a key contributor to age-related body odor, detectable in individuals aged 40 and older (PubMed).

Because 2-nonenal is not water-soluble, it can linger on the skin even after bathing. As a result, the “old person smell” can persist on the body as well as on fabrics like clothing, bedding, and upholstery, even in clean environments.

What is Nonenal-infographic

Common Causes of Body Odor in Elderly

There are several factors contribute to changes in body odor as we age, ranging from natural chemical changes in the skin to lifestyle habits and underlying health conditions.

Hormonal Changes

Aside from the naturally occurring chemical compound, nonenal, other changes contribute to body odor in older adults. Hormonal changes lead to an increase in lipid production, which oxidize and form nonenal. Research in Free Radical Biology and Medicine indicates that oxidative degradation of omega-7 fatty acids in skin lipids produces 2-nonenal, reinforcing how age and hormonal shifts combine to create body odor (PMC).

Menopause is an event during which women experience major hormonal shifts. Women of menopausal age may develop higher body temperatures and sweat as a result of hot flashes. Estrogen levels decline during menopause, causing the composition of sweat to become more odorous.

A higher level of testosterone develops in the sweat as a result of decreased estrogen in menopausal women, which can attract bacteria and produce body odor. Stress and anxiety increase at this stage, too, and trigger sweating from odor-producing apocrine glands.

Dietary Changes

What a senior eats also affects how they smell. The familiar culprits, garlic, onions and spices, are known to release sulfurous compounds that are excreted through sweat and pores. Foods loaded with spices cause the elderly to perspire more, which produces more body odor.

Similarly, processed foods cause body odor. Foods containing sugar, salt, and additives are processed quickly by the body but affect gut bacteria, causing an overgrowth of odor-producing compounds. Processed foods high in fat slow digestion or break down into odorous substances.

Health Conditions

Certain illnesses, like diabetes and kidney disease, are common among the aging population. Diseases like these can change how the body smells. When the aging body breaks down fat instead of glucose in cases of uncontrolled diabetes, ketones build up and cause a fruity smell in the breath and sweat.

Kidney disease causes damage to the kidneys. As a result, the damaged organs are unable to properly filter waste from the blood. The buildup of waste in the body is released through the breath and skin as an ammonia-like or fishy smell.

Infections, particularly bacterial and fungal, can produce a foul odor on the skin. A healthy balance of bacteria is normally present on the skin. However, infections cause bacteria to multiply, especially in moist areas, like skin folds. Bacterial waste produces strong, offensive smells.

How Do Seniors Manage Body Odor?

While a change in body odor is expected as people age, it can be minimized by following a healthy lifestyle. Hydration is key to reducing body odor as it supports the body’s detox process. By drinking water throughout the day, seniors flush out toxins from the body and decrease odors.

Eating a clean diet is also helpful in reducing odors. Limit foods, such as garlic, onions and processed foods, that are known to affect body odor. Instead, promote a healthy internal balance by consuming more fruits and vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants that aid the natural detoxification process.

Water-rich foods, like watermelon and cucumber, dilute the fatty acids that contribute to body odor. Leafy greens high in chlorophyll also help neutralize body odor. Citrus contains compounds that neutralize the effect of odor-causing foods, like those rich in sulfur.

Minimize body odors by wearing breathable fabrics. Clothing made of cotton or linen absorbs moisture and allows sweat to evaporate more readily, preventing odor-causing bacteria from thriving. Polyester and other synthetic fabrics, on the other hand, trap sweat and allow bacteria to multiply.

Seniors should take regular baths or showers to clean sweat from their bodies. Exfoliate the skin occasionally to remove dead skin cells that can contribute to odors. Change into clean clothes daily, and especially after exercising, to reduce unwanted body odor.

Senior Home Care from A Place At Home-Weston

Elderly body odor may be unpleasant, but it is manageable by understanding the causes and following the above mentioned tips. When your aging loved one is bothered by body odor, the professional caregivers at A Place At Home can-Weston help them live with increased dignity and comfort.

Senior Home care Services in Weston Florida

We offer a wide range of in-home care services designed to support seniors’ health, hygiene, and overall well-being. Our caregivers prepare nutritious meals rich in vitamins and minerals and serve fresh fruits high in antioxidants. To promote hydration and help flush out toxins, we provide beverages throughout the day.

Caregivers also assist with personal hygiene tasks such as grooming, bathing, and toileting. After physical activity, we help seniors change into clean clothes to prevent body odor and discomfort. We also recommend breathable fabrics that wick away moisture and keep the skin dry and fresh.

In addition to personal care, our services include safe transportation, timely medication reminders, and compassionate companionship. Through friendly conversation and enjoyable activities, caregivers help prevent loneliness and promote emotional well-being. We also make home safety a top priority by removing clutter and reducing the risk of falls.

Whether you choose respite care, 24-hour care or compassionate Alzheimer’s care, A Place At Home-Weston creates a care plan to fulfill your aging loved one’s needs. We are privileged to serve Weston, Davie, Hollywood, and Pembroke Pines, Florida, seniors. Schedule a free in-home consultation today to learn how reliable elder care enhances quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

You may notice body odor if others keep a distance, avoid close contact, or react subtly when near you. Signs include lingering sweat smells on clothing, bedding, or skin. Regular hygiene, breathable clothing, and a healthy diet can help reduce odor and keep you feeling fresh.

While mild body odor is a normal part of aging, you should consult a doctor if you notice sudden, strong, or unusual smells that don’t improve with hygiene and lifestyle changes. Persistent fruity, ammonia-like, or fishy odors may indicate underlying health issues such as diabetes, kidney disease, liver problems, or infections. Other warning signs include excessive sweating, odor accompanied by skin changes, or a rapid increase in odor intensity. A healthcare professional can help identify the cause, recommend appropriate tests, and suggest treatments or lifestyle adjustments to manage the odor safely and effectively.

Why Do Elderly People Get Watery Eyes? Understanding Causes, Concerns, and Care

Elderly man using preservative-free artificial tears

 

If your parent or grandparent always has a tissue in hand, you are not imagining it—watery eyes, medically called epiphora, are very common as people age. Sometimes it is a mild nuisance, and other times it can signal that something in the eye’s tear system is not functioning properly. The reassuring news is that, with the right evaluation and care, most people can find meaningful relief.

Understanding the Tear System and Why It Changes with Age

Tears are not just water. They are a complex film made up of three important layers.

  • The first is an oily layer that slows down evaporation and is produced by the tiny meibomian glands in the eyelids.
  • The second is a watery layer that provides essential moisture and is produced by the lacrimal gland.
  • The third is a mucin layer that helps the tear film spread evenly across the surface of the eye.

As the body ages, changes in any of these layers can upset this delicate balance. The watery layer may decrease in volume or evaporate more quickly if the oily layer is not functioning well. The position of the eyelids can also shift slightly inward, a condition known as entropion, or outward, known as ectropion. Both of these changes make it harder for tears to flow and drain properly. In addition, the drainage system itself, which includes the puncta, canaliculi, lacrimal sac, and tear duct, may become narrowed or even blocked.

When these changes occur, the eye surface often becomes irritated. In response, the body produces even more tears, creating the paradox of watery eyes caused by dryness or poor tear balance.

The Most Common Reasons Seniors Have Watery Eyes

1. Dry Eye That Triggers Reflex Tearing

It may sound contradictory, but dry eye is the leading cause of watery eyes in older adults. When the eye surface is dry and uncomfortable, the body responds by producing more tears. Unfortunately, these reflex tears are often watery and of poor quality, so they do not coat the eye properly. The result is a frustrating cycle of dryness, irritation, and constant tearing.

People with dry eye often notice burning, stinging, or fluctuating vision, especially when reading, using screens, or spending time outside in windy or cold weather.

2. Blocked or Narrowed Tear Drainage

Normally, tears drain from the eyes into small openings called puncta and then into the nose. As we age, these drainage pathways can narrow or become blocked. When that happens, tears pool on the eyelid and spill over the cheeks instead of draining normally.

Blocked tear ducts can also lead to crusting or repeated eye infections. Treatment can range from simple office procedures to surgery that creates a new drainage pathway.

3. Eyelid Position Changes

Eyelid muscles and tissues weaken with age, sometimes causing entropion or ectropion.

  • Entropion occurs when the eyelid turns inward, causing lashes to rub against the eye.
  • Ectropion occurs when the eyelid turns outward, so the puncta no longer touch the eye and tears cannot drain properly.

Both conditions are uncomfortable and lead to excessive tearing, but they are usually corrected with minor surgical procedures.

4. Eyelid Margin Inflammation (Blepharitis) and Gland Dysfunction

Blepharitis is a common condition in older adults where the eyelid edges become inflamed. The oil glands in the eyelids (meibomian glands) may not function well, leading to unstable tears. This can cause both dryness and excessive watering.

The most effective first step is daily eyelid care with warm compresses and gentle cleaning. In more severe cases, prescription anti-inflammatory drops or in-office treatments may be recommended.

5. Other Eye Conditions or Treatments

Watery eyes may also be linked to other issues, including:

  • Allergic or irritative conjunctivitis
  • Side effects after cataract surgery
  • Medications such as glaucoma drops or eye drops with preservatives
  • Systemic medications that reduce tear quality, such as antihistamines, diuretics, antidepressants, beta-blockers, or isotretinoin

If watery eyes began after a medication change, it is worth asking a doctor about possible alternatives.

Real-World Study: Dry Eye Syndrome and Treatment Outcomes

A comprehensive study published in the International Journal of Ophthalmology and Clinical Research analyzed 516 adult patients presenting with epiphora (watery eyes) at an inner-city ophthalmology clinic. The study aimed to identify the most common causes of excessive tearing and evaluate the effectiveness of various treatments. The findings revealed that 58.1% of patients were diagnosed with dry eye syndrome (DES), and of these, 40.1% did not have other ocular findings to explain their epiphora. Conservative management, including artificial tears and warm compresses, was recommended to the majority (86.4%) of the study population. Among those, 27.5% reported symptom improvement. Patients who underwent dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), a surgical procedure to create a new tear drainage pathway, experienced a 90.1% improvement in symptoms. The study underscores the complexity of diagnosing and treating watery eyes in older adults and highlights the importance of a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause and the potential benefits of both conservative and surgical treatments. (Referred from ClinMed International Library)

When Watery Eyes Are a Red Flag

It is important to remember that not all watery eyes are harmless. You should encourage your loved one to seek medical care if they experience:

  1. Constant tearing that interferes with daily activities
  2. Pain, redness, or swelling around the eyes
  3. Vision changes, blurriness, or sensitivity to light
  4. Frequent eye infections or discharge

These symptoms may signal conditions that require professional evaluation and treatment.

How Eye Doctors Figure It Out: What to Expect at the Visit

If watery eyes are becoming bothersome, an eye doctor can usually identify the cause with a straightforward and gentle exam. There is no need to feel anxious, as the process is painless and designed to reveal what is happening.

During the visit, the doctor may measure how well the eyes are producing tears using a simple test called the Schirmer test. In this test, a small strip of paper is placed on the lower eyelid to measure how much it becomes moistened over a few minutes. The doctor may also check how quickly tears evaporate, which can reveal problems with the oily layer of the tear film.

To see the surface of the eye more clearly, a harmless dye called fluorescein may be used. Under a special light, the dye highlights dry patches, tiny scratches, or areas where tears are not spreading evenly. The position of the eyelids will also be examined, since lids that sag inward or outward can interfere with normal tear flow.

If a blocked drainage system is suspected, the doctor may gently flush fluid through the tear ducts. If the fluid does not pass easily or pushes mucus back toward the eye, this confirms that the drainage system is contributing to the problem.

This careful evaluation allows the doctor to determine whether the tearing is due to excessive tear production, poor-quality tears, or a drainage issue. Once the cause is understood, treatment can be directed appropriately and is often very effective.

Eye doctor evaluation and checking senior's eye

How to Treat Watery Eyes in Seniors?

Because watery eyes can have different causes, treatment is matched to the specific problem.

When Dry Eye or Gland Dysfunction Is the Cause

  • Artificial tears, ideally preservative-free if used more than four times a day.
  • Warm compresses and daily eyelid hygiene to improve oil flow and clear debris.
  • Prescription anti-inflammatory drops such as cyclosporine or lifitegrast if surface inflammation is a factor.
  • Simple environmental adjustments, such as using a humidifier, taking regular blink breaks, or wearing wraparound glasses outdoors.
  • Punctal plugs, tiny devices placed in the tear ducts to conserve tears. Doctors often start with dissolvable trial plugs to see if the treatment helps before using longer-lasting versions.

When Drainage or Eyelid Position Is the Problem

  • Lubricating eye drops may provide short-term comfort, but the most effective solution for eyelid malpositions such as entropion or ectropion is outpatient eyelid surgery.
  • For blocked tear ducts, options include dilation, irrigation, or stenting in the office. More advanced blockages may be treated with dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery, which creates a new tear pathway and has a high success rate.

When Medications Play a Role

Some common medications, including antihistamines, diuretics, antidepressants, beta-blockers, and isotretinoin, can reduce tear production or irritate the eye. If tearing started after a new prescription, it is worth reviewing alternatives or adjustments with your doctor or pharmacist.

When Blepharitis Is Present

Daily eyelid care is essential. This often includes warm compresses, gentle cleansing with diluted solutions or special wipes, and in some cases topical or oral medications to reduce inflammation.

Simple Ways to Ease Discomfort at Home (Caregiver Approved)

Even before medical treatment begins, there are small steps that can help keep eyes more comfortable.

  1. Dab gently with a soft tissue or cloth rather than rubbing the eyes.
  2. Use warm compresses for dryness or blocked oil glands, and cool compresses if allergies are the problem.
  3. Protect eyes from wind and sun with glasses, and avoid sitting directly in front of fans or vents.
  4. Stay hydrated and give the eyes regular breaks during reading or computer use.
  5. Seniors with limited hand strength may find unit-dose artificial tear vials or nighttime gel drops easier to manage.
  6. These changes will not cure the problem on their own, but they can provide comfort while medical treatment takes effect.

Consider In Home Care For Your Loved One

If your parent or grandparent is living with watery eyes, vision changes, or other health concerns, daily life can quickly become overwhelming. Managing medications, keeping up with appointments, and remembering simple routines are not always easy for seniors to handle alone. That is where we come in.

At A Place At Home, we proudly serve families in Pembroke Pines, Weston, Davie, and Hollywood, Florida. Our home caregivers provide gentle support with medication reminders, personal care, and companionship, while also watching for changes such as persistent watery eyes that may need medical attention. We believe every senior deserves to feel safe, comfortable, and cared for in the place they call home.

 Call A Place At Home-Weston today at (954) 335-9284 to schedule a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Overnight, the eyelid glands can stagnate, and debris can build up along the lashes. Wind, dry air, or cold temperatures then trigger reflex tearing. A warm compress in the morning and protective glasses outdoors often help.

In some cases, a brain tumor can affect the facial nerves, leading to a condition known as facial palsy. When this happens, it may interfere with the normal function of the eyelids. As a result, a person may experience watery eyes, dryness, difficulty fully closing the eyes, redness, or even blurred vision. If the eyelids cannot close properly, tears are not spread evenly across the eye’s surface, which leaves the eye exposed for longer periods and can cause irritation.