Old people smell

[uggs]

Let me say in advance that I have nothing against old people, but I was wondering if anyone had any theories as to the origin of the characteristic 'old people smell'  you get in their houses. I'm not talking about a wee smell or BO or such like - just that indefinable aroma that hangs around even well-washed and continent oldsters. Happy new year!

[willowherb]

its dead skin cells..some of the old folk dont have the same standard of hygiene we are used to ,as in a daily bath and hair washed more than once a week..and they dont wash their clothes daily ,,so consequently that dreadfull smell starts to take hold..you will find that they wear clothes then put them away till next time ,that is how they were taught,,where as i have my washing machine on at least 3 times a day they just do a weekly wash,,and with central heating etc the smell just gets worse..

[smudge]

Perhaps it's because some old people don't open the windows as much as younger folk, as they do feel the cold more. I remember house hunting with friends & looking around a house in which an old couple had lived & maybe died in. It was a weird, deathly smell & stayed with me for a long time afterwards. They didn't buy the house.

[Scarlett]

Also I think old people don't notice the build up of dust as much, and those who are on their own don't feel the need to clean as much as perhaps couples do.

[spiff]

It could be that that their smell is just a product of the age they were brought up in; in 2040 old people will probably "smell" of  Lacoste and Boss etc. The young people of the time will probably class those smells as "old"! xx

[Ewood27]

Thank you, uggs, for starting my new year off on a cheery note.  I'm 68!

[FP]

Most old people I know dust all the time, whereas I, a mere youngster at 57, think dusting is a complete waste of my valuable time.  However, I don't think dust smells!  Perhaps my sense of smell has gone.

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE. 

[smudge]

I class myself as 57 years young, especially after last nights celebrations!

 

I think uggs is referring to 'very' old people, aren't you uggs? Don't worry EWood, you're still a spring chicken too.

 

Here's to a Happy & Healthy New Year 2005!

[smudge]

P.S. uggs - Forgive me for asking, but just out of interest, how old are you?

[Kay]

Uggs,my parents never gave off a bad odour and my mum kept the home spotless.She detested smells! Both my parents were in their late 70's when they died and my mum still kept the house clean.I ask the same as smudge,just how old.young are you? Im 56.

[smudge]

I have to add, that my Granny died aged 98, as did my husband's Nan. My Mum & Dad were 85 & 86 when they died. Their homes were always clean & just smelled nice & homely, usually of lavender, tea & cake! Bless 'em.

 

I have to agree with In A Pickle regarding some younger peoples homes. That programme really opens your eyes as to how some people live - disgusting.  

[willowherb]

i agree with what you say .but the fact is its down to the individual,,some old people really do smell dreadfull.due to bad hygiene,,but so do some younger people due also to bad hygiene..my grandmother was spotless cleaning the house from top to bottom daily,,with no smell or body odour..but i had a 93 year old next door to me and on the odd occasion when i went in it nearly knocked me out,,the smell just hung he only had a bath once a week and washing only appeared on the line occasionally...even when his daughter visited she would say she wished he would change his clothes etc..the heating was allways up full no windows open ..and eventually he got scabies,,he had a lovely bungalow worth in the excess of �300000 so he was not down and out ..just unclean..in their days they only washed weekly and some of them dont change habits easily..as for that tv programme well some of the people that have been on their are disgusting and i dont know how they live with themselves after they have been exposed on tv..

[littleoldme]

Don't knock it, uggs.

THAT, young 'un, is the smell of experience :O)