Many have come across a specific smell that accompanies the elderly. It can be harsh, unpleasant, if the elderly person neglects the rules of personal hygiene. Or more or less neutral with increased cleanliness, but well felt or recognizable as the "smell of old age."
Causes of the specific odor of the elderly
With age, the human body begins to function differently, the hormonal background changes, metabolic processes slow down, it becomes more difficult to monitor the purity of the body, and natural organic secretions acquire a more pungent and persistent odor.
If hygiene is regular, the smell can be weak, sour-cloying with a sweetish note. If sloppiness is added to age-related changes, amber can be heavy, depressing. Usually, the "senile smell" appears in people who have reached 70-75 years old, and increases over the years.
- One of the sources of the "senile smell" is nonenal, which is released along with sweat. The substance is formed as a result of the destruction of unsaturated fatty acids.
- Clothes that have absorbed drops of urine and sweat can also be the cause of an undesirable scent.
- It can smell from the mouth if there are diseases of the teeth and gums, problems of the gastrointestinal tract, etc.
When caring for the elderly or living side by side with them, you have to deal with the "senile smell". It is especially difficult if an elderly person lives alone.
How to deal with senile smell indoors
If an elderly person lives in their own home, the smell of old age can permeate the home, including personal belongings. The recommendations are simple, but take time and effort.
- Regular wet cleaning with a deodorizing effect will temporarily neutralize unwanted odors. You can clean it daily or once a week - it all depends on the possibilities.
- Lemon juice, deodorants for home, added to the water means for washing the floor or dishes with a strong aroma, aromatic oils (lavender, rose, fir, etc.) are used as odor neutralizers.
- Bouquets of dried wormwood, burnt bay or eucalyptus leaves give a pleasant effect.
- Timely washing will significantly reduce the risk of persistent "senile smell" in the house, apartment or room. It is better to sort clothes, separating used from washed clothes. To this end, it is reasonable to have a special basket for dirty linen in the bathroom, and make sure that the old person, through inattention or absent-mindedness, does not mix dirty linen with clean.
- We'll have to keep an eye on the contents of the wardrobes, preventing worn things from getting into the storage with clean things.
- When washing, if there are no contraindications (allergies, asthma), it is better to use scented detergent solutions.
- When rinsing, you can use special conditioners containing deodorant substances.
Do not forget about such a simple way to refresh the atmosphere in the house, as regular airing. You just need to make sure that there is no draft, the elderly are susceptible to drafts and vulnerable.
Personal hygiene of the elderly
Only old people know how much effort it costs them every day they live. After 70 years, when the physical shell wears out more and more, it becomes more difficult to perform not only careful hygiene procedures, but also natural human functions. It is not always possible to control the bladder and other organs in old age. Old people also often do not smell or their olfactory senses are weak. It should be noted that in old age, all these uncomfortable moments have a very painful effect on the human psyche. Therefore, hygiene assistance should be correct and not affect pride. Do not scold, blame, or scold the old person for smelling bad. This will not change anything, and shame and resentment in old people can become a destructive psychological trauma, poison the lives of them and their loved ones for a long time, or even provoke severe psychological consequences - memory loss, leaving home, nervous breakdown and other troubles.
Try to keep your ward in possession of such body care products as:
- scented soap (preferably liquid);
- toothpaste and soft brush, deodorant to freshen the oral cavity,
- refreshing mouthwash drops;
- the necessary means for the care of dentures;
- nourishing aromatic cream for hands, face and body;
- personal deodorant and / or eau de toilette, perfume, cologne;
- flavored wet wipes;
- special means for intimate hygiene.
Bathing is best done every 7-10 days, but intimate hygiene should be observed daily. You can also change bed linen every 7-10 days if the old person is healthy and does not stain the sheets. It is advisable to change underwear at least once every three days.
Prevention of senile odor
It is good when pleasant aromatic sources are constantly present in the room where the elderly person is: a bouquet of fragrant flowers, special fragrances, scented candles, scented soap, etc. They will neutralize the "senile smell" and give pleasant emotions. It is preferable not a floral-sweet, but a sour-bitter aroma - herbal, woody, citrus, tea. These aromatic notes are best for masking and neutralizing unpleasant odors. In addition to the usual detergents of household chemicals with a deodorant effect, you can resort to fumigating rooms with scented sticks (sandalwood, incense, etc.), burn the zest of orange, tangerine, lemon, as well as bay leaves on the fire. In addition to eliminating odors, these procedures have a negative effect on small insects, if any in the house. In addition, it has a good effect on the cardiovascular system, relieves headaches, promotes a surge of energy and improves mood.
If an elderly person lives with you in the same house or apartment, try to ventilate the room in which he lives as often as possible. It is best to ventilate early in the morning and in the evening, before bedtime. This will relieve mustiness, improve well-being, and help cope with insomnia.
