Old person smell
Old person smell is the characteristic odor of elderly humans.[1] Much like many animal species, human odor undergoes distinct stages based on chemical changes initiated through the aging process. Research suggests that this enables humans to determine the suitability of potential partners based on age, in addition to other factors.[2]
One study suggested that old person smell may be the result of 2-nonenal, an unsaturated aldehyde which is associated with human body odor alterations during aging;[3] however, there are other hypotheses.[4] Another study failed to detect 2-nonenal at all, but found significantly increased concentrations of benzothiazole, dimethylsulphone, and nonanal on older subjects.[5]
In 2012 the Monell Chemical Senses Center published a press release claiming that the human ability to identify information such as age, illness, and genetic suitability from odor is responsible for the distinctive "old man smell". Sensory neuroscientist Johan Lundström stated, "Elderly people have a discernible underarm odor that younger people consider to be fairly neutral and not very unpleasant."[6]
Old person smell is known as Script error: The function "nihongo" does not exist. in Japan, where it is of particular concern due to the high value placed on personal hygiene.[7]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑ MacMillan, Amanda. "Scientists Confirm Existence of 'Old Person Smell'". Health.com. Health Media Ventures, Inc. Archived from the original on 8 September 2015. Retrieved 30 May 2012.
- ↑
- ↑ "The special scent of age". EurekAlert!. 30 May 2012. Archived from the original on 20 June 2015.
- ↑ Levenstein, Steve (6 August 2008). "Japan's Aging Population Deals with Old Man Smell". Inventor Spot. Halcyon Solutions Inc. Archived from the original on 6 September 2015.
Resources[edit source]
Latest articles - Old person smell
 | This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Old person smell for any updates.
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
