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In an other thread HN's user Raducu wrote about "the old person smell". I didn't know such a thing existed but noticed it myself sometimes without thinking much

In an other thread HN's user Raducu wrote about "the old person smell". I didn't know such a thing existed but noticed it myself sometimes without thinking much about it, including in my own house (I am 64). I wonder if HN's users have some insights to share?

ggm 6y ago
59 and yes. It exists. Can smell it when I come back from longer away. Sensation fades rapidly. I have little doubt younger friends and colleagues get more of it, alas.
- bradknowles 6y ago
  When I was a kid, one of the most intense memories I had was of how my maternal grandfather smelled. Not just after work, but after a shower, or any other activity. I always thought it was because he was a heavy smoker. As I turned 50 (or so), I was surprised and appalled to find that I now smelled that exact same smell again — this time from me. Again, it would smell weaker right after a shower, or I could cover it with aftershave or cologne, but it was always there as a baseline. And I’ve never been a smoker — I tried smoking a pipe in college, but could never keep the damn thing lit. And cigarettes just made me gag and tasted horrible. Of course, I knew plenty of smokers and my mom was a heavy smoker for many years, so I knew what the smell was like. That didn’t bother me so much, but the act of trying to smoke did. So far as I can tell, I just now smell like my grandpa used to when I was a kid. Anyway, I’m not sure what to make of this situation. It still bugs me, from time to time.
spoiler 6y ago
I'm 27 and I can smell it around some older people. It might be anecdotal, but I think it was less noticeable in people who kept physically active. FWIW, for me personally it's not a strong or bad smell, and it's pretty neutral. So, I don't think anyone needs feel self-conscious about it!
- alisonkisk 6y ago
  Smells are linked to emotional. Old people smell as good as you like old people. (Same as almost any smell.)
- airhead969 6y ago
  I suspect you're absolutely right. My maternal grandmother had a terrible smell, although she lived a long time (with about 10 years of dementia).
jimmaswell 6y ago
There's a very particular "nursing home smell" and oddly an old family car would produce it if you ran the heat. My best guess was a dead animal in there somewhere.

ggm 6y ago

59 and yes. It exists. Can smell it when I come back from longer away. Sensation fades rapidly. I have little doubt younger friends and colleagues get more of it, alas.

bradknowles 6y ago
When I was a kid, one of the most intense memories I had was of how my maternal grandfather smelled. Not just after work, but after a shower, or any other activity. I always thought it was because he was a heavy smoker. As I turned 50 (or so), I was surprised and appalled to find that I now smelled that exact same smell again — this time from me. Again, it would smell weaker right after a shower, or I could cover it with aftershave or cologne, but it was always there as a baseline. And I’ve never been a smoker — I tried smoking a pipe in college, but could never keep the damn thing lit. And cigarettes just made me gag and tasted horrible. Of course, I knew plenty of smokers and my mom was a heavy smoker for many years, so I knew what the smell was like. That didn’t bother me so much, but the act of trying to smoke did. So far as I can tell, I just now smell like my grandpa used to when I was a kid. Anyway, I’m not sure what to make of this situation. It still bugs me, from time to time.

spoiler 6y ago

I'm 27 and I can smell it around some older people. It might be anecdotal, but I think it was less noticeable in people who kept physically active. FWIW, for me personally it's not a strong or bad smell, and it's pretty neutral. So, I don't think anyone needs feel self-conscious about it!

alisonkisk 6y ago
Smells are linked to emotional. Old people smell as good as you like old people. (Same as almost any smell.)
airhead969 6y ago
I suspect you're absolutely right. My maternal grandmother had a terrible smell, although she lived a long time (with about 10 years of dementia).

jimmaswell 6y ago

There's a very particular "nursing home smell" and oddly an old family car would produce it if you ran the heat. My best guess was a dead animal in there somewhere.