{"id":259288,"date":"2025-07-12T15:43:15","date_gmt":"2025-07-12T15:43:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/259288\/"},"modified":"2025-07-12T15:43:15","modified_gmt":"2025-07-12T15:43:15","slug":"what-causes-old-people-smell-know-the-science-behind-it-and-how-to-prevent-with-a-single-superfood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/259288\/","title":{"rendered":"What causes ‘old people smell’? Know the science behind it and how to prevent with a single superfood |"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"What Ever wondered why some older adults develop a distinct musty odour\u2014often called “old people smell”? Scientists now have an answer, and it\u2019s more biological than you think. The culprit is a compound called 2-nonenal, which builds up on the skin due to ageing and declining antioxidants. This scent, while harmless, can affect confidence and social interactions over time. But here\u2019s the surprising part: experts say a natural remedy exists\u2014and it\u2019s found in your kitchen. Mushrooms, packed with powerful compounds like ergothioneine and spermidine, may help reduce this age-related odour from the inside out. Know how this superfood could help you age gracefully and smell fresher, too.<\/p>\n

What is ‘old people smell’<\/p>\n

The scent often described as a mix of mothballs, wet cardboard, basement air, and dead leaves is not just a stereotype but it\u2019s a real biological phenomenon. According to Leslie Kenny, longevity expert and founder of Oxford Healthspan, the root cause lies in a chemical compound called 2-nonenal.<\/p>\n

Cause behind \u2018old people smell\u2019<\/p>\n

This compound forms through lipid peroxidation, a process where fats on the skin\u2019s surface oxidize or \u201crust\u201d due to a lack of antioxidants. As we age, our body produces fewer natural antioxidants, and cellular turnover slows down, allowing these oxidized fats to linger longer on the skin resulting in that distinct, musty smell. \u201cOld people smell comes from lipid peroxidation on top of the skin,\u201d Kenny explains. \u201cIf you don\u2019t have enough antioxidants, that smell builds up.\u201d She likens the process to the body rusting, where sebum, the oily substance our skin produces and oxidizes into 2-nonenal.This phenomenon isn\u2019t the same as body odour, which can be washed away. Kenny clarifies: \u201cYou can\u2019t remove it by bathing more or masking it with perfume. The cells aren\u2019t turning over fast enough, and the oxidized fats remain embedded in the skin.\u201d\"Cause<\/p>\n

Why ageing skin is more vulnerable to the scent<\/p>\n

As we age, our hormone levels decline, and the skin loses its youthful ability to regenerate. Lower levels of estrogen, testosterone, and growth hormone reduce cell turnover, allowing oxidized skin oils and 2-nonenal to build up over time. Kenny notes that the scent tends to worsen during perimenopause and menopause, when these hormonal drops accelerate.<\/p>\n

Mushrooms might help fight ageing and eliminate \u2018old people smell\u2019 from within <\/p>\n

As reported, Kenny says there\u2019s a natural, food-based solution and it starts with your plate. Mushrooms, particularly shiitake and oyster varieties, are rich in two powerful compounds:<\/p>\n