Will there be "old man smell" as he grows older? 10 tips to help avoid odor production

Health     8:09am, 10 June 2025

As the age increases, the body is prone to unpleasant smells. Some people call this smell "the smell of the elderly" or "the smell of the elderly". Although it sounds a little age-distinct, most people connect this smell with the smell of the elderly or long-term care institutions and body functions.

In fact, physical odor comes from many sources, some are caused by external factors, such as the medicines or foods we take, and some are related to body chemistry.

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Sweat glands, top glands and sebaceous glands are the three most commonly caused odor:

. Sweat glands

→ Top glands and small sweat glands secrete "sweat", which include water and other organic substances. However, small sweat glands are mainly used to cool the skin, spread throughout the body, and will not produce odor.

. Top glands

→ mainly exist in hair follicles such as underarms and groin. Sweat secreted by the top glands will promote bacterial growth on the surface of the skin and produce a physical smell. Since the odor is water-soluble, this odor can be reduced or eliminated through good hygiene habits, including the use of soap and water.

. Sebaceous glands

→ Omega-7 fatty acids are found in the secretions of the sebaceous glands, which change after being exposed to air. The oxidation of this lipid produces 2-nonenal, an organic compound that also produces odor. However, these fats are insoluble in water and therefore cannot be easily washed or wiped off.

Because before the age of 40, the skin produces enough antioxidants to reduce the oxidation process that produces "aging odor". But the rate of production of antioxidants will decrease with age. At the same time, the aging body increases the production of Omega-7 fatty acids. These two aging factors can increase the aging smell on the skin. Therefore, this smell has little direct connection with hygiene.

Other possible causes of abnormal smell

1. Bone disease

Ammonia odor may remind people of the smell of urine, but ammonia may also be the phenomenon of kidney disease. People with this smell need to seek evaluation and treatment from medical professionals.

2. Diabetes

When a person has a "fruit smell" smell, this may be a sign of high blood sugar or excessive blood sugar. People with this smell need to seek help from medical professionals as soon as possible.

3. Drugs

Some drugs can cause increased sweating and may increase body odor.

4. Diet changes

The food you eat may also affect the production of smell. For example, foods such as garlic will cause odor through sweat secretion. Other foods that cause distaste include sausage, spicy food, sausage and alcohol.

5. Incontinence

Incontinence will leave a smell on the skin or clothing, and many incontinence-related products have internal odors that reduce the smell to cover up the smell. In addition, good health habits, changing dirty clothes and cleaning bed sheets can reduce unpleasant smells.

10 tricks to help reduce the smell and produce

You can reduce the body smell produced by sweat glands through a good health and a healthy lifestyle. These odors may be exacerbated by age, drugs, and lifestyle, but the 2-nonenal odor produced by sebaceous glands is directly related to the biological changes related to age.

Therefore, although this aging smell may not be considered "unpleasant" smell and may not be completely eliminated, it can be managed by some lifestyle adjustments.

1. Drinking a lot of water every day can help you stay hydrated and speed up the speed of Xinchen Daixi.

2. Avoid or reduce the intake of caffeine and alcohol.

3. Die well and eat more fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants.

4. Enough sleep and rest.

5. Reduce stress through exercise, relaxation and meditation.

6. Take a bath regularly.

7. Clean bed sheets and clothes regularly.

8. Open windows regularly to open the door and open the wind.

9. Use topical antiperspirants under the armpit to reduce sweating.

10. Reduce foods that may increase the smell, such as spicy foods, sausages and garlic.