Most of us have probably experienced shopping or walking in the park when suddenly a strange smell hits our faces and makes you want to cover your nose.
On closer inspection, it turned out to be a hobbled old man walking by.
This has left many young people wondering: why do the elderly always have a strange smell, and what is the reason for the so-called "old man's smell"?
In fact, this unique smell of the elderly does not stem from the uneven personal hygiene habits, but a physiological phenomenon that arises with age.
Studies have shown that when the age is over 40 years old, a substance molecule called 2-nonanal is produced on the surface of human skin.
This substance is undoubtedly the culprit of the "old man's smell".
2-Nonanal comes from the oxidative degradation of a compound called omega-7 unsaturated fatty acids during human metabolism.
When the amount of this fatty acid in the human body gradually increases, the concentration of 2-nonanal will also increase.
And the smell of this molecule is like old clothes that have not been washed in years, mixed with the strange smell of moldy weeds, greasy and unpleasant.
Surprisingly, this "old man's smell" gets stronger with age.
Because the amount of omega-7 unsaturated fatty acids produced in the human body will continue to rise, which means that the concentration of 2-nonanal is getting higher and higher.
It can be seen that everyone after the age of 40, including you and me, will face the threat of "old man's smell".
Of course, in addition to 2-nonanal, which is the culprit, there are some other factors that may also aggravate the odor of the elderly.
For example, in people with diabetes, the ketones produced by metabolism in the body will give off a disgusting smell of rotten apples.
In patients with kidney disease and kidney failure, some nitrogen-containing metabolic waste products in the body will also emit a fishy salted fish smell through breath and skin.
Not to mention the bacterial multiplication caused by oral diseases such as periodontitis, and the pungent smell is even more indescribable.
Aging means that the body's organs gradually lose their function, and it is inevitable that some abnormal odors will be produced.
However, this does not mean that healthy people will not have odors.
In fact, lifestyle habits and eating patterns can also have a significant impact on human body odor.
For example, alcoholism, smoking, and eating high-calorie foods may exacerbate bad breath and body odor.
Obviously, the strange smell on the body is not the exclusive property of the elderly, and it is entirely possible for young people to be contaminated with this "notoriety".
However, it is not uncommon for older people to not be able to smell their own odors.
The first reason is that with age, olfactory function will decline significantly, and the olfactory threshold is generally 2 to 15 times higher than that of young people.
The second is that the human sense of smell has the so-called "adaptability", and the nose will lose sensitivity to that smell when it is in a certain smell environment for a long time.
Therefore, maybe the next time you walk on the street and encounter the strange smell of the old man again, you might as well be more tolerant.
After all, everyone will inevitably enter old age and will inevitably accept this natural law.
Don't be deliberately alienated, but give more love and understanding. Respecting the old and loving the young is the fashion that a civilized society should have.
If you happen to be responsible for supporting the elderly, you don't have to be helpless about this strange smell.
First of all, it is necessary to change the clothes of the elderly frequently and keep their bodies clean and hygienic.
Secondly, encourage them to do a moderate amount of exercise, such as brisk walking, dancing or gardening, at least 150 minutes per week, if their physical condition allows.
Exercise not only boosts metabolism, but also prevents some chronic diseases that can trigger body odor.
Finally, we should pay attention to regulating the diet and daily life of the elderly, control weight, balance nutrition, and try to stay away from greasy and high-calorie junk food.
Birth, old age, sickness and death, aging is an indisputable fact.
As we enter middle age, we inevitably have to face the challenge of body odor.
However, by treating this issue with love and wisdom, we can add quality and dignity to our later life.
Don't run away or avoid, let alone scoff at it, the smell of aging is actually a unique life experience.
Maintaining an open and inclusive mind, giving enough care and understanding, is the best attitude towards the elderly and their strange smells.