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.
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.
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
How do you know if you smell bad to others?
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.
When should I see a doctor about body odor?
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.
