_What causes odors in elderly people?

Hormone Changes: Humans go through rather pronounced hormone changes that can affect a host of other things in the body including sweat and other factors in body odor. Women experience both drier skin and vaginal dryness. The drying of skin and mucous membranes makes them more susceptible to infections which can cause inflammation, irritation, and odor.

Many men suffer prostate-related problems that cause dribbling of urine. The constant minute flow of urine causes urine odor, but it also inflames and irritates the skin and causes odors related to the destruction of skin and related tissues.

Bad Breath – At least 70 percent of elderly people do not produce enough saliva, so their breath becomes foul. Dental problems and gum infections are often problematic for the elderly. See section on bad breath for treatment of this condition.

"Old Man Odor" – Also known as "old lady smell," "old man smell," and "old people smell," this condition results from the accumulation of a chemical called 2-nonenal. It is also one of the aromas the human nose perceives in old books, beer, buckwheat, cucumbers, lard, and orris (iris root), orris being used in some cosmetics.

This distinctive odor of elderly persons results from the accumulation of omega-7 fatty acids in the sebum glands of the skin. Most people have heard of omega-3 or maybe omega-6 essential fatty acids, but the omega-7 fatty acids are a little more obscure.

These are the fatty acids that can be found in a few little-used health supplements, such as sea buckthorn and rosemary leaf, and in relative abundance in seafood and macadamia nuts. For some reason scientists do not yet completely understand, these fatty acids become palmitoleic acid on the skin, but only in persons aged 40 and older. Unfortunately, the human nose can detect even tiny traces of this chemical, even 3 to 4 parts per million in the air of the room of an elderly person.

Treatment of Odors Associated with Aging

Washing: As many elderly people don’t go out as often as they used to, some let their personal hygiene habits lapse a bit, but because of the increased changes in the skin, mouth and hormone levels, it is important for elderly people to remain vigilant about frequent washing and use of soap. Assistance with personal hygiene may be necessary, especially when urination and defecation become problematic.

Drinking more water: Drinking water can help with the breath problems associated with lower saliva production and can also help flush out any toxins from the skin that are causing odors. Hydrating the skin makes it more supple, so the pores containing the fats that become "old person smell" can be more easily cleansed. Drinking water also rinses food particles off the tongue and gums and in between the teeth.

Deodorant Spray: It is used by spraying the air, bed linens and clothes of an elderly person.

Products:

Silver Spray: There is only one product on the market right now specifically targeted towards the elimination of odors associated with aging. It is produced by Ecoteam. Website: www.ecoteamlab.com
 


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