Not all old people smell. Many old people who DO smell, however, get the smell from medications they have to take, or the old (yucky smelling) combo of Ben-gay and baby-powder. It can also come from decaying teeth, not taking baths regularly (because they can't do it on their own), not washing their clothes, and not cleaning their possessions. Another reason why old people smell is because they don't eat enough fresh food. When you only eat cooked food, toxins build up in your body, are secreted through sweat, and then emit a foul odor. The same effect could be caused by not exercising enough, because exercise helps eliminate toxins, that are then washed off in a shower. It could also be caused by moth balls, but moth balls aren't as prominent as they used to be. Many Grandpa's I know smell like old spice shaving lotion, good quality pipe tobacco, and cinnamon tooth paste. Gandma's smell of sunlight soap, lilacs or lily of the valley purfume and fresh baked bread. And when you need someone to comfort you, they are the smells of safety. Your question generalizes and is totally unfair.
in most cases it's an odour on the skin of older people. they emit part of an essential fatty acid Omega 7, which decays on the skin surface.
for my nose 'old folks' smell' is more like a combination of stale cucumbers and rancid butter; but to an extent, everyone's perception is a little different.
the best solution is frequent and thorough bathing with mild unscented soaps or cleansers -- in cool/moderate climates, elderly people bathe very infrequently, sometimes once a week or more -- in tropical climates it's normal practice to bathe daily, often 2-3 times each day, so there is no chance for the bacteria and EFA's to build up to the point where they become a problem.
talcum / baby powder is not very effective and actually encourages bacterial / fungal growth, thus exacerbating the problem.
perfumes and essential oils can cover the smell, but unfortunately most elderly people overdo the application, as their sense of smell has dulled over the years -- it's best to change/alternate your fragrance about once a year, and only use the same amount (ie. no more than 1 or 2 puffs).
Note that unpleasant smells from bodies are often an indicator of a pathology or illness.
It smells like urine. Ordinary urine.
The smell is not dangerous - however, if there is still a smell, there could still be urine, which could cause diseases and infections if you come in contact with it.
Shampoo does not usually go bad and smell like urine. Old urine has an ammonia type smell and no shampoo should smell that way. If by chance you are unsure of the contents of the bottle, it is best to throw it away.
A fruity urine smell is normally indicative of diabetes. The fruity smell is attributed to the presence of ketones in urine.
Because urine has urine in it.
Yes cabbage can cause a urine smell.
The smell of urine can not damage your health.
Acetone (nail polish remover), or pear drops. Some people call it a 'fruity' smell. The smell is more easily noticed on the patient's breath than in the urine.
Cat urine can stain clothing and smell bad, some people can actually be allergic to cat urine. Cat urine will not make you blind.
Urine. Ammonia. The smell of urine does not change in early pregnancy. Or late pregnancy.
I'm pretty sure your urine should smell like urine. Why are you smelling your urine?
Nothing. People drink urine when they are stuck in the desert and live. Urine is actually fine to drink....sounds gross but it is....just....how did you ever get past the smell?????? :P Nothing. People drink urine when they are stuck in the desert and live. Urine is actually fine to drink....sounds gross but it is....just....how did you ever get past the smell?????? :P