Anonymous wrote:What age does this smell kick in?

Research says it kicks in anytime after age 40, although I've only smelled it on people in 90's or late 80's.

Anonymous wrote:I wonder if eating persimmon helps? This suggests green tea helps. And they make persimmon body soap. https://miraiclinical.com/pages/nonenal

That's an interesting suggestion! I don't think I've ever eaten persimmon. The links you provided are informative. The detergent I purchased was from Mirai, and the ingredients are natural. I will keep using this unless someone has a less expensive suggestion.

I regularly visit and do errands etc for a 96 year old who has no smell. She is on very few meds and eats a bland diet. She is still continent.

Anonymous wrote:What does this smell like?

I'm not sure how to describe it. It's very unique, not like urine or BO.
Most times, the person with the nonenal doesn't smell it on themselves.
I find it very unpleasant, but it doesn't bother some people.

Anonymous wrote:That’s nice of you OP. Does this happen to everyone!? Am I going to have to worry about this too when I get older??

I don't think this happens to everyone. My parents smelled fine, but some of the other residents at their assisted living did not.

Anonymous wrote:I unfortunately don't have any suggestions but just wanted to say what a caring, kind, thoughtful daughter-in-law you are.

Oh, how nice of you to say that. My MIL makes it easy. In our 45 year relationship, we have never had one cross word. I'm so fortunate, I realize not all MIL are like this. She is a shining example of how to treat people. She welcomed me into her family with open arms, and has always treated me with loving kindness. She never forgets anyone's birthday or special occasion, she is an excellent role model for me. She's had many medical issues, and she's overcome every single one of them. Tough as nails! We all love her so much.

Anonymous wrote:Maybe someone knows is Lume helps with this. Developed by an OBGYN - but can be used everywhere - there is a soap, cream, etc.

That looks like a possibility, thank you for the suggestion!

None of the older people I know have any particular smell. I think this is something made up by a business trying to sell a product. So silly.

Anonymous wrote:This is normal and nothing you can do about it sadly.

Old people give off a distinct odor.

https://www.agingcare.com/articles/old-person-smell-174839.htm

TOTAL BS...

Unless you eat crap and use ton of meds you don't smell funny.

Garlic, onion.. asparagus ... meds.. and you smell funny..

Anonymous wrote:My sweet elderly MIL has been staying with us. She is wonderful and we love her dearly. She has recently developed old person smell, a normal condition caused by thinning skin oxidizing and creating nonenal, which creates the odor. Although she showers every day and I do all of her laundry including sheets and towels regularly, the unpleasant odor remains because nonenal is not water-soluble.

She is now visiting her other children, and I have used this time to launder everything with the persimmon detergent made to help with this issue, as well as Borax and Oxiclean. I have been airing out her bedroom by keeping the windows open, and have used coffee grounds, vinegar, baking soda, dryer sheets, scented candles, and Pinesol to help eliminate the odor that lingers in the bathroom, carpet, the air.

Has anyone else dealt with this issue? Any tips? My MIL is returning soon and I want to be able to handle this discreetly so as to not hurt her feelings.
Thank you for any advice you can give me.

OP.. DO YOU WANT TO KILL YOUR MIL???? Because you are on a perfect road to do that!

I don't know ONE young person in the full health whou would Survive the barage of chemicals in their environment.

First of all.. I am not sure if she developed the smell but the smell is a result of what she eat AND medications she uses. Mostly the medications that make her smell bad.

Also, is she showering and washing her clothing?

Is she having medical problems like urine leak or has a catherer of some sort?

Maybe she is not telling you everything.

I know many elderly and I don't really smell anything drastic. There might be really some medications that send the odor off.

Othewise, change the carpet and drapes, mattres, and sheets for the new ones, paint the room.

BTW maybe this is mold that you confuse with old person. some old peopel hav emold in their home as they loose ability
to clean their homes and take proper care of things...

Anonymous wrote:Please, what is this smell. I'm afraid this is me.

I think this probably varies a lot. I’ve known plenty of very elderly people with no “old person” smell.

Please, what is this smell. I'm afraid this is me.

Anonymous wrote:I unfortunately don't have any suggestions but just wanted to say what a caring, kind, thoughtful daughter-in-law you are.

I agree.

This is normal and nothing you can do about it sadly.

Old people give off a distinct odor.

https://www.agingcare.com/articles/old-person-smell-174839.htm