Experts confirm that people do develop a different smell as they age, attributing this to a natural biological process. The distinct musty odour, sometimes known as 'old person smell', originates from a chemical compound called 2-nonenal.
Dr Roya Javid, a dermatologist, explains that 2-nonenal is produced when certain skin oils, or lipids, oxidise and break down. This is a normal and unavoidable change, as the composition of fatty acids in skin lipids alters with age, and the skin's ability to combat daily wear-and-tear slows down.
Research suggests that 2-nonenal can be detected from around age 40, with levels gradually increasing particularly past middle age. However, Dr Arshad Rather, a consultant geriatrician, notes it is not an abrupt change but a gradual increase.
While there is no way to stop 2-nonenal from developing, regular bathing can help wash away some of the scent, though it won't fully remove the chemical. Washing clothes and airing rooms can also reduce the odour. Some experts suggest that reducing oxidative stress through antioxidant-rich foods, not smoking, and protecting skin from sun damage may be sensible targets, though more studies are needed.