Skip to content
Healthy Aging Hub

:

Articles related to focusing on healthy aging, prevention, mobility, cognition, nutrition, independence, and caregiving support.

5 min

Why Do Old People Put Mothballs in Their House?

Decades ago, before the widespread availability of synthetic fabrics and modern pest control, many people used mothballs as a standard household practice. This tradition of using mothballs persists today, particularly among older generations, who rely on it for protecting clothes and other items from pests. However, this practice is now understood to pose significant health risks to humans and pets, making it a habit that should be reconsidered.

Read Healthy Aging
5 min

Why do old people use mothballs? The history, risks, and safer alternatives

For decades, mothballs were a common household product used to protect stored clothing from pests like moths and silverfish. This long-standing tradition is the primary reason why do old people use mothballs, but many are unaware of the significant health risks involved with these toxic chemicals.

Read Healthy Aging
4 min

Why do grandmas smell like mothballs? Exploring the Causes of Distinctive Odors

According to a 2012 study published in *PLOS One*, people can accurately identify the distinct body odor of older individuals. The question, **"Why do grandmas smell like mothballs?"** is a common and often affectionate observation that stems from a combination of physiological changes, environmental factors, and historical habits involving pest control.

Read Healthy Aging
4 min

Why Do Old People Put Mothballs in Their Closets?

Before the advent of synthetic fibers and modern climate control, fabric-eating pests were a far more common problem for households. This created a generations-old tradition to protect clothing, which is the primary reason **why do old people put mothballs in their closets**. This practice, once standard, has now been largely replaced by safer, more effective methods.

Read Healthy Aging
4 min

Why do old people love mothballs? The nostalgic truth behind a forgotten practice

For decades, mothballs containing chemicals like naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene were the standard for protecting valuable wool, silk, and cashmere garments from pests. This practical household chore, once ubiquitous, is a significant part of the answer to the question, "Why do old people love mothballs?" The distinct, pungent scent is less about a fondness for the chemical itself and more about the strong connection to memory, tradition, and a bygone era of textile care.

Read Healthy Aging