What is the old lady's smell called? A scientific breakdown of nonenal

According to a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, a compound called 2-nonenal is detected only in older subjects (aged 40 or older). This explains the distinct scent often referred to as 'what is the old lady's smell called?', a topic explored through the science of healthy aging.

Quick Summary

The distinctive scent is scientifically known as nonenal, a chemical compound called 2-nonenal, which is a byproduct of the oxidative breakdown of fatty acids on the skin that increases with age. This is a natural biological process, not a result of poor hygiene.

Key Points

• What causes it: The distinct aging smell is caused by 2-nonenal, a compound resulting from the oxidative breakdown of omega-7 fatty acids on the skin's surface, a natural process that begins around age 40.

• Not poor hygiene: Unlike typical body odor caused by bacteria and sweat, nonenal is not a sign of poor hygiene and is naturally produced on the skin regardless of bathing habits.

• How to manage: While not fully preventable, managing nonenal involves using specialized soaps that neutralize the compound, wearing breathable fabrics, maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, and ensuring good home ventilation.

• Diet and lifestyle matter: Diet, medication, hormonal changes, and chronic conditions can all influence body odor in seniors, so a holistic approach to health is beneficial.

• Environmental factors: Nonenal can linger in fabrics and environments, so regular cleaning of bedding, clothes, and furniture is crucial for managing the smell in living spaces.

• Beyond hygiene: Because 2-nonenal is oil-based and not water-soluble, standard washing methods are often less effective at removing it, necessitating targeted products and approaches.

Unveiling the Science: What is Nonenal?

Many people notice a particular, musty scent associated with older adults, often referred to informally as the old person smell. Rather than being linked to poor hygiene, research points to a specific chemical compound, 2-nonenal, as the primary cause. This compound is produced on the skin's surface and is not water-soluble, making it resistant to standard washing. As a result, the odor can be more persistent than regular body odor, and it is a natural part of the aging process.

The Cause: Lipid Peroxidation and Omega-7 Fatty Acids

So, what causes the body to produce this compound? The process is called lipid peroxidation. As we age, our body's natural antioxidant defenses decline, while the skin’s production of omega-7 unsaturated fatty acids increases. The key steps that lead to the creation of nonenal are:

• Increased Omega-7 Fatty Acids: Starting around age 40, the skin's composition of fatty acids shifts, with higher levels of omega-7 unsaturated fatty acids, such as palmitoleic acid.
• Lipid Oxidation: Without sufficient antioxidants to combat it, these fatty acids are more prone to oxidative degradation when exposed to the air. This can be exacerbated by environmental factors like UV radiation and pollution.
• 2-Nonenal Production: The oxidative breakdown of these omega-7 fatty acids generates 2-nonenal, which has a distinct greasy, grassy, or musty odor.

Nonenal vs. Regular Body Odor

It's important to differentiate nonenal from the body odor that results from sweat and bacteria interaction, which is more common in younger people. The source and nature of the odors are fundamentally different.

Feature	Nonenal (Age-Related Odor)	Regular Body Odor
Cause	Oxidative breakdown of omega-7 fatty acids on the skin.	Bacteria on the skin interacting with sweat from apocrine glands.
Onset	Tends to increase starting around age 40.	Starts during puberty when apocrine glands become active.
Composition	Primary compound is 2-nonenal, an aldehyde.	Various compounds resulting from bacterial action on sweat, potentially including organic acids.
Solubility	Not easily water-soluble, making it harder to wash away.	Water-soluble and can be managed effectively with regular hygiene.
Perception	Often described as musty, greasy, or grassy.	Can be sweet, sour, or tangy, depending on various factors.

Other Factors Influencing Body Odor in Seniors

While nonenal is a primary contributor, other factors can influence an older person's overall scent profile. These include:

1. Hormonal Changes: Declining levels of hormones like estrogen and testosterone can alter sweat and sebum production, affecting the skin's moisture and microbial balance.
2. Chronic Health Conditions: Certain diseases common in older adults, such as diabetes and kidney disease, can produce unique and detectable odors. For example, kidney failure can lead to a urine-like smell.
3. Medications: Some prescription drugs, including thyroid medications and opioids, can cause changes in body odor.
4. Dietary Habits: As metabolism slows with age, the body may process certain foods differently, intensifying their impact on natural body odor.
5. Environmental Factors: Insufficient ventilation and fabrics that trap odors in the home can amplify the nonenal scent.

How to Manage Nonenal and Senior Body Odor

While nonenal is a natural part of aging and cannot be permanently eliminated, its effects can be managed. A multi-pronged approach combining specific hygiene practices, dietary changes, and environmental adjustments is most effective.

Hygiene and Skincare Strategies

• Use Specialized Soaps: Because 2-nonenal is not water-soluble, some standard soaps may not remove it effectively. Consider using specialized soaps containing ingredients like Japanese persimmon extract, which are formulated to neutralize nonenal.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins and keeps the skin hydrated, which supports its natural functions.
• Exfoliate Gently: Regular, gentle exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and excess oils that contribute to nonenal buildup.

Dietary Adjustments

• Increase Antioxidants: A diet rich in antioxidants helps to combat the oxidative stress that creates 2-nonenal. This includes fruits, vegetables, and green tea.
• Limit Certain Foods: Reducing the intake of heavily spiced or fatty foods may help manage body odor.

Environmental and Lifestyle Habits

• Maintain a Clean Living Space: Regularly washing bedding, clothes, and cleaning upholstery can prevent odors from lingering.
• Ensure Good Ventilation: Opening windows and using air purifiers with carbon filters can help circulate fresh air and reduce trapped smells.
• Choose Breathable Fabrics: Wearing natural fabrics like cotton and linen allows for better air circulation and reduces odor retention compared to synthetic materials.
• Manage Stress and Exercise: Stress and poor health can worsen body odor. Regular exercise promotes overall well-being and can help cleanse the sweat glands.

Conclusion

Understanding the science behind nonenal offers a respectful and informed perspective on a natural aspect of aging. The distinct scent is not a mark of poor hygiene but a biological reality stemming from the skin's changing chemistry. By adopting specific skincare routines, making dietary adjustments, and improving environmental factors, the effects of nonenal can be effectively managed, ensuring comfort and confidence for older adults. The knowledge that the 'old lady's smell' has a name and a natural cause is the first step toward addressing it with empathy and practical solutions, rather than judgment.

For more detailed information on the scientific discovery of 2-nonenal and aging body odor, consider reading the original research paper: 2-Nonenal newly found in human body odor tends to increase with aging

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the old lady's smell called scientifically?

The scientific name for the characteristic scent associated with aging, often referred to as the 'old lady's smell,' is nonenal. Specifically, it is caused by the chemical compound 2-nonenal.

Why does nonenal occur with age?

Nonenal occurs due to the oxidative degradation of omega-7 unsaturated fatty acids on the skin's surface. As the body ages, its natural antioxidant defenses weaken, and the production of these specific fatty acids increases, leading to the formation of 2-nonenal.

Does nonenal mean a person has bad hygiene?

No, the presence of nonenal is a natural biological process and not an indicator of poor hygiene. The compound is resistant to standard washing and can occur even with regular bathing.

Can diet and lifestyle affect nonenal?

Yes, diet and lifestyle can influence nonenal. A diet rich in antioxidants can help combat the oxidative stress that produces nonenal, while a poor diet, stress, and certain medications can exacerbate the odor.

What can help manage nonenal odor?

Managing nonenal can involve using specialized soaps containing ingredients like Japanese persimmon extract, maintaining a balanced diet with plenty of antioxidants, wearing breathable fabrics, and ensuring good ventilation in living areas.

Can the 'old people smell' be removed from fabrics and furniture?

The odor can be stubborn on fabrics. Using special detergents with enzymes or adding baking soda or vinegar to laundry can help neutralize the odor. For furniture, vacuuming with baking soda or steam cleaning can be effective.

Does nonenal affect men and women differently?

Nonenal affects both men and women as they age, typically starting around the age of 40. Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menopause, can also influence body odor.