What is old people smell? And is the internet wrong about it?
May 9, 2024
Dive into the curious world of 'old people smell' and uncover the science behind it! Discover how aging alters body odors through compounds like nonanol. Explore cultural influences on scent perception and the role of hygiene. The discussion also highlights emotional connections tied to smell, including nostalgic aromas and personal anecdotes. With a sprinkle of humor and community shoutouts, the hosts tackle misconceptions and celebrate the complexity of human olfactory experiences!
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insights INSIGHT
Differing biomarkers, similar structure
Two studies found different biomarkers for old-person smell, non-enol and non-anal.
These molecules are very similar, differing by only one double bond, suggesting a connection.
insights INSIGHT
Diet and Smell
Japanese study participants ate more seafood, potentially influencing non-enol presence.
Generalizability to other populations with different diets remains uncertain.
insights INSIGHT
Context Matters
Older people's scent was less intense and not offensive in a controlled setting.
Societal context and associations may influence our perception of old-person smell.
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In this episode of 'Chemistry for Your Life' hosts Melissa and Jam explore the common notion that elderly people have a distinct smell. They delve into the scientific basis behind this observation, discussing the role of volatile organic compounds, fatty acids on our skin, and how these compounds can change with age. The episode features discussions on different studies that have attempted to identify specific compounds associated with 'old people smell' and debates their findings. It also touches upon cultural and dietary influences on body odor, the impact of hygiene practices, and the psychological aspects of scent perception. Additionally, the hosts reflect on the influence of other environmental factors like hospital scents on our perception of 'old people smell.' The episode concludes with a light-hearted discussion on favorite smells, emphasizing the complexity and variability of human olfactory experiences.
00:00 Introduction to the Mystery of the Elderly Scent 00:41 Diving Into the Science: What Causes the Elderly Scent? 01:25 Community Shoutout and Listener Contributions 03:48 Exploring the Chemistry of Skin and Aging 07:37 Scientific Studies and the Debate Over Elderly Scent 15:17 Cultural Factors and the Universality of Elderly Scent 21:29 Concluding Thoughts on the Science of Scent and Aging 23:22 Exploring the Science of Smell and Age 23:54 Perceptions and Variables in Smell Research 24:42 Personal Anecdotes and Smell Associations 26:24 Consumer Products and Their Influence on Smell 29:05 The Debate Over Persimmon Soap 32:00 Skepticism Towards Marketing Claims 35:09 Favorite Smells and Personal Memories
We want to give a special thanks to Bri McAllister for illustrating molecules for some episodes! Please go check out Bri’s art, follow and support her at entr0pic.artstation.com and @McAllisterBri on twitter!
Chemistry For Your Life