https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 01:12:24 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell/page/2#post-1421973 Sat, 10 Jan 2015 05:22:21 +0000 Michelle 1421973@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread is making me want to raise my arms skyward, inhale deeply and savour the sweet, youngsterlicious aroma of my 30-something body! :p<br />In all seriousness, I will admit to being a believer in the OPS concept and positively dreading it for myself. I've experienced scents so powerful that I was nearly gagging at a recent funeral, but the clincher for me is the very subtle traces I detect on my mom. This is a woman who's home, wardrobe and person are absolutely immaculate. The house smells of her flowers, her clothes carry the familiar scent of the laundry detergent I grew up with, and 9.5 times out of 10 she smells like the lovely Canadian perfume she wears...But every now and again I can detect it. It smells like something decaying, and it always knocks me for a loop. Funnily enough I have yet to pick up on this on my equally clean but diabetic father. My parents are in the 70 ballpark, so I suppose you could call them olfactory triumphs if the fun truly begins at 40. <br />Incidentally pungeant funeral dude was a good 10 years younger than my parents, so I do believe that personal routines can exaserbate the situation.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell/page/2#post-1421964 Sat, 10 Jan 2015 04:41:16 +0000 Anonymous 1421964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks to all who posted. I loved that you shared my disbelief that OPS starts at 40 and seems inevitable. Great stories, some solutions and, most of all, hope. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell/page/2#post-1421916 Sat, 10 Jan 2015 02:43:45 +0000 Anonymous 1421916@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>After I told my youngest DD (soon to be 17) that OPS supposedly starts at age 40, she assured me I'm fine, so I'm good for now. Whew! <i>(wiping brow and breathing a big sigh of relief)</i> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell/page/2#post-1421882 Sat, 10 Jan 2015 01:07:08 +0000 karymk 1421882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh pleeeeez I'm peeing my pants from this convo and now I'm going to smell like OPP!!!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell/page/2#post-1421475 Fri, 09 Jan 2015 16:00:31 +0000 texstyle 1421475@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you are spot on Claire! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell/page/2#post-1421448 Fri, 09 Jan 2015 15:27:34 +0000 Anonymous 1421448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay, I had to log into the desk top to make a comment on this! When researching health and nutrition, I read that what we eat&nbsp;<i>over the long term course of our lives</i> greatly impacts our body smells. One source said our bodies don't actually age, they just&nbsp;<b>become more toxic</b>. Eating refined, shelf stable food-like substances (instead of fresh vegetables, fruit, beans, nuts and seeds--things that are viable and would either rot or sprout) can place a heavy load on the digestive system and cleansing organs. Bowel transit times become longer and chronic constipation (very common with age and multiple medications) can result--causing halitosis that no amount of oral hygiene can fix.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell/page/2#post-1421447 Fri, 09 Jan 2015 15:25:05 +0000 texstyle 1421447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, I'm not sure if I should laugh or cry! I will say that I spend a great deal of time around old people as I live in a retirement zone. I can attest that not many of them (but some) have the OPS issue. So it's not a given, which should be some relief. Right?&nbsp; </p> <p>That said, essential oil of orange and grapefruit are really nice... and in Diane G's other thread I mentioned the study about how grapefruit scents are supposed to make you look 8 years younger...</p> <p>I've been around a lot of younger people unfortunately who smell in a bad way. Not just men, but those come to mind first (many software engineers in fact have a known bad rap for this). One time we had to tell one of them of the issue. He left for lunch that day and came back with an arsenal full of deordarants, mouthwash, etc. It was really kind of sad. But it seemed to help the issue. I also met a man once who had no sense of smell so he had to rely on others to not only tell him, but to warn him of danger because like one time he left a can of turpentine open in his house (he was refinishing all the woodwork) and he was getting really sick from the fumes after a couple of days but didn't realize it until his parents stopped by! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell/page/2#post-1421433 Fri, 09 Jan 2015 14:55:15 +0000 KikiG 1421433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The early loss of sense of smell can also be a marker for Parkinson's. &nbsp;My MIL had a cluster of seemingly unrelated symptoms, beginning in her late 40s/early 50s, that, eventually, fell into place &nbsp;and made sense&nbsp;with a 70s Parkinson's dx. &nbsp;We had a pact that I would tell her things she needed to know with respect to what things smelled like. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell/page/2#post-1421359 Fri, 09 Jan 2015 11:21:55 +0000 Style Fan 1421359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It seems to me that young people are trying to detect fertile partners and smell is one way of doing that.&nbsp; I have noticed (I have a very sensitive nose) a certain smell from some women and I think it is when they are fertile.&nbsp; I can also detect diabetics (a sweetish smell) and sometimes cancer.&nbsp; </p> <p>So what if I have Old People Smell.&nbsp; It just means I am not fertile.&nbsp; Long past those days.&nbsp; </p> <p>Just wait.&nbsp; Soon there will be a product to mimic Young People Smell.&nbsp; I thought there were perfumes that had pheromones in them to attract mates.&nbsp; Something even better will be coming for us aging Baby Boomers.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell/page/2#post-1421350 Fri, 09 Jan 2015 10:39:19 +0000 Anonymous 1421350@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OMG! This thread is hilarious! I guess there's no hope for me at 50 :P</p> <p>Incidentally, my MIL is 90 this year and neither she, nor her house smell.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell/page/2#post-1421323 Fri, 09 Jan 2015 06:30:23 +0000 Lyn D. 1421323@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell/page/2#post-1421319 Fri, 09 Jan 2015 05:44:43 +0000 Aziraphale 1421319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Echo, I kind of like the smell of mothballs, too. I wouldn't wear it as a perfume or anything, but it's not what I'd call offensive -- more 'intriguing', I'd say. Like earwax removal drops or tea tree oil. Pungent but not yucky.</p> <p>Beth Ann, I have been on at my parents for their nasty-smelling dishrags for years. I don't think I would comment on body odour, if there was any, but their dishrags are unhygienic.&nbsp;I'm positive using&nbsp;them makes things dirtier, not cleaner! I've stopped even saying anything -- I just take the offending rag over to the wash, add any other towels that are kicking around, add bleach&nbsp;and start the machine. I think my parents honestly can't smell it -- I'm sure their sense of smell has diminished with age.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell/page/2#post-1421310 Fri, 09 Jan 2015 04:59:23 +0000 Echo 1421310@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's funny that some people mention mothballs. I had never in my life smelled mothballs, and a friend in high school lent me a book. The book smelled GREAT; I must have spent as much time sniffing it as I did reading it. I finally asked my mum what it smelled like and she barely had to get near it before she declared, "Mothballs!" She and everyone else thought it smelled terrible, but I loved it.&nbsp;Interestingly, I also love the smell of gasoline when most people find that awful, too.</p> <p>This doesn't bode well for me noticing OPS on myself and remedying it quickly... (though I don't use mothballs myself)</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell/page/2#post-1421308 Fri, 09 Jan 2015 04:46:42 +0000 Beth Ann 1421308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmmm...... so our kids are supposed to "tell us like it is" with regard to OPS?&nbsp; Hmmmm......</p> <p>Not sure how I'd broach the subject with my folks, although it's not needed yet.&nbsp; I do notice that they don't seem to be bothered by the slight mildewy odor in a kitchen rag, and their house is mustier due to some water problems in the basement.&nbsp; Their sense of smell must be lessened somewhat.</p> <p>I'm very sure that my in-laws would not be receptive.&nbsp; Telling it like it is can be dangerous, even when it has the best intentions!</p> <p>My plan?&nbsp; Get rid of us much carpet as I can, replacing it with hard floors.&nbsp; Reducing clutter, regular airing and cleaning and, for my body, regular bathing and scented lotion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell/page/2#post-1421306 Fri, 09 Jan 2015 04:27:58 +0000 Debbie 1421306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is hysterical but gives me something else to worry about. As if there wasn't enough! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell/page/2#post-1421304 Fri, 09 Jan 2015 04:16:46 +0000 deb 1421304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FYI, it is also called 'fetid geriatric syndrome'. Just wrong I say, just wrong. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell/page/2#post-1421302 Fri, 09 Jan 2015 04:13:36 +0000 Jeanie 1421302@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh dear, I'm glad I can't stand creamed corn! &nbsp;I associate OPS with my grandmas very strong Estee Lauder perfume and powder&nbsp;and occasionally moth balls. &nbsp;As a young person I remember thinking that she wore&nbsp;an old person's perfume because no one my age was wearing Estee Lauder anything. &nbsp;Grandma was an amazing housekeeper who stayed up on the laundry&nbsp;and her house always smelled fresh (except the chest where she kept blankets in moth balls). &nbsp;I think if you keep your house and clothes clean and stay away from outdated perfumes and ben gay you have a great start. &nbsp;And yes teen-age boys are very stinky and have cooties IMO! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell/page/2#post-1421294 Fri, 09 Jan 2015 03:56:50 +0000 Janet 1421294@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't even read the responses yet because WHAT? I don't think people get smelly because they're older, I think it's people who start to slack on personal hygiene, no matter what age. My mom lived to 80 and never smelled bad a day I can remember. Yet, I know some young adults (not naming names, but let's just say that young men can sometimes be awful with this) who need to remember to DO THEIR LAUNDRY and brush their teeth. </p> <p>And smoking just makes it worse. </p> <p>:-) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell/page/2#post-1421284 Fri, 09 Jan 2015 03:32:45 +0000 abc 1421284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Best thread evah!!!!</p> <p>It kinda reminds me of the "resting b*tch face" thread over on off topic a while back. </p> <p>Thanks ylf for the comic relief! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell/page/2#post-1421260 Fri, 09 Jan 2015 03:02:12 +0000 Gaylene 1421260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, h***, now I'm supposed to be worried about OPS as well as wrinkles, grey hair, sagging boobs and butt, weight gain--this aging certainly isn't for sissies. </p> <p>Honestly, I think every age is prone to smells that offend someone's nostrils. I never did get the raving about babies--true, my sons did smell good after being bathed, powdered, and cleanly diapered, but the aromas emitting from them pre-bath only a mother could stomach. Same goes for that eye-watering aroma of the middle-school Tweens, the searing smell of Axe on adolescent males, the mix of liberal amounts of cheap scent and perspiration on a party-going twenty-something, the overpowering smell of a colleague's signature scent that reminds me of rotten potatoes, and the lavender-induced coma from my best friend who earnestly tells me she only wears natural, essential oils. </p> <p>I do think a combination of less than stellar hygiene, teeth problems, certain medications, and some diseases can cause problems for people of any age. But I remember my grandmother smelling of Pond's cold cream and heliotrope, my grandfather of cedar woodchips and tomato plants, my mother of cinnamon and Chanel #5, and my father of Old Spice and leather. If that is OPS, I'll be happy to join them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell/page/2#post-1421258 Fri, 09 Jan 2015 03:00:07 +0000 MsMary 1421258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always thought 10-12 year old boys smell like dirt!&nbsp; LOL&nbsp; And teenage boys?&nbsp; Ay yi yi!!</p> <p>Honestly, though, one of the reasons I'm probably not going to get a pet any time soon is that I don't want to deal with the smell.</p> <p>I always associate old-fashioned sweet perfumes with OPS.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell/page/2#post-1421255 Fri, 09 Jan 2015 02:54:03 +0000 Jaime 1421255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will&nbsp;put my daughters on early ops detection&nbsp;alert right away. I won't hire my son though -&nbsp;12 year old boys don't always smell so nicely either. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell/page/2#post-1421248 Fri, 09 Jan 2015 02:42:08 +0000 catgirl 1421248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>By the way, my friend whose husband was severely ill at the Mayo Clinic said that one of the most common things people there noted was an association between ill health and the smell of creamed corn. Like the way animals can detect illness, apparently some people can too. Kind of freaky (and sorry for the association if you're a fan of creamed corn). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell/page/2#post-1421243 Fri, 09 Jan 2015 02:38:12 +0000 deb 1421243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always think of OPS as moth balls. Medication also changes the way&nbsp;we smell. I know some fragrances I can no longer wear because of my meds. And, there is no way I will ask my kids if I smell. I will some other persons child. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell/page/2#post-1421239 Fri, 09 Jan 2015 02:30:51 +0000 Aziraphale 1421239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a snort-coffee-through-the-nose funny thread. :-)</p> <p>I have never found that old people smell unpleasant. Or, rather, that old people <i>in general</i> smell unpleasant. Maybe some do? I hadn't noticed.&nbsp;My own grandparents smelled nice -- warm and comforting -- although I admit that I can't smell Benson and Hedges cigarettes without thinking of my granddad! &nbsp;</p> <p>HOWEVER. The smell from decaying teeth&nbsp;is the GROSSEST THING EVER, and elderly people are more likely to have a decline in oral hygiene which leads to rotten teeth and the ensuing&nbsp;breath problems. (Having said that, halitosis in general can affect people of any age, and may or may not be related to tooth decay). And of course&nbsp;lots of elderly people take care of their teeth and don't have bad breath -- or&nbsp;else they have dentures! I've noticed that no teeth at all usually means no breath problems, either.</p> <p>Did you know that two of the volatile chemicals associated with bad breath are also chemicals emitted by a rotting corpse? That explains a few things.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell/page/2#post-1421237 Fri, 09 Jan 2015 02:30:38 +0000 Anonymous 1421237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My dog smells like whatever she has been rolling in. Lately it has been snow but her paws smell like Fritos. Una, you may be on to something... Essence of frying onions and garlic trumps creamed corn. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell#post-1421233 Fri, 09 Jan 2015 02:28:09 +0000 Elly 1421233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My grandparents all smelled fabulous and my parents do too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell#post-1421226 Fri, 09 Jan 2015 02:19:34 +0000 Sveta 1421226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread is a killer!<br />I have a theory about this and going to live by it even if it is wrong :-)<br />I think that keeping your body fairly active wards this "old" smell away. Of course you need to shower after you have been active at any age :-)<br />I think it stands to reason because regular exercise helps your body to stay younger than you biological age. So I am going to continue hiking, lifting weights and dancing until I am a 100 years old!<br />Suz, I have to go and smell my kitties now!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell#post-1421225 Fri, 09 Jan 2015 02:18:59 +0000 catgirl 1421225@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ack, hilarious! To me OPS is the combined smell of hospitals and thrift stores! My grandmother, however, always wore a clean sparkling white cotton sari and smelled like freshly line-dried linens and comfort.</p> <p>I love the smell of puppies and newborns. Kona smells like fresh popcorn. My 11 year old smells like a gym - boy sweat and sneakers. The other day he cheerfully said to me, "Mom, I smell like taquitos!" Er, yuck. Thankfully he is the most adorable kid ever.</p> <p>Lavender, patchouli, musk and vanilla (candles or perfume, not the food) all make me severely queasy. Cinnamon calms me. Citrus scents are my favorite perfumes. Onions and garlic frying is the smell of heaven in my mind.</p> <p>Sorry, got off on a little tangent there! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/old-people-smell#post-1421218 Fri, 09 Jan 2015 02:08:04 +0000 Anonymous 1421218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I remember the smell that hippies made back in the '70s because they didn't bathe. That was one thing about the '70s I hated. You could smell them combing from a mile away. </p>