I was standing next to an old guy today, he must have been about 70. He kinda smelled. But then I realized that this is nothing new, in fact he smelled just like my grandpa who is also about 70 as well. I am not talking about horrible B.O. here, rather it’s a recognizable kind of musty smell that is attributable to many old guys I know. Their houses kind of take on the same fragrance as well. What I am wondering is there some kind of biochemical metamorphisis that old guys undergo when they get into their late 60’s which results in them smelling like a combination of an oil rag and mosquito spray? I would guess that it is a similar phenomena to the bluing of hair in old women but I am not sure. Can someone please explain? I am only twenty but I want to take preventive measures as soon as possible.
Now is the time for all good men to come the the aid of their gazorninplatt.
I read an article about this in my local paper. The “old man” smell is a social phenomenon in Japan, where it is referred to as “ojisan” smell. Apparently, companies were trying to sell products to combat it.
As for the smell, I would imagine that as we age, our body chemistry changes and we don’t give off the same scents. I doubt there is anything that can be done. Just be grateful that you made it to age 70.
I don’t know but this brings me to a question Where do all older women buy their perfume? Most of them smell exactly alike, sort of like lilacs and lily of the valley, really really flowery smell combined with the smell of face powder. What exactly is that perfume, so that i will know never to buy it?
Actually, this discussion reminds me of a story attributed to Samuel Johnson. Johnson is at a party or something, when a society dame is introduced to him.
“Sir,” she says, “you smell!”
To which Johnson replies, “No, madame, you smell; I stink.”
