Video summary

8 Reasons People OVER-70 Start SMELLING Different (And DON'T REALIZE IT)

Main summary

Key takeaways

Wellness and Self-Improvement

Key wellness strategies & self-care / productivity tips (from the subtitles)

Maintain skin moisture & hydration

  • Age-related changes in skin and gland oil can alter body scent.
  • Dehydration (often from age-related water loss and medications) can change sweat and odor.
  • Sweat decreases with age, which can affect skin health and odor output.
  • Watch for dry, cracked, or irritated skin, including in skin folds (higher risk of fungal infections).
  • Practical supports
    • Stay adequately hydrated
    • Use a basic (non-perfumed) moisturizer to prevent cracking
    • Regularly inspect skin in the mirror and address redness/irritation early

Support mobility so bathing/hygiene doesn’t slip

  • Loss of mobility and arthritis can reduce bathing frequency and make hair washing/scalp cleaning harder.
  • Focus on under-addressed areas:
    • Feet between toes (sweat + moisture → fungal risk)
  • Hygiene approach discussed:
    • Aim for 2–3 showers per week (as applicable), using lukewarm water
    • Avoid harsh soaps that worsen dryness and cracking
  • Fall prevention is a hygiene enabler
    • Install shower rails/safety features if mobility or fear of falling is an issue
    • Consider a stool in the shower
    • Use retrofit options (e.g., suction/handles) if a full bathroom remodel is too costly
    • Have a loved one nearby outside the bathroom for confidence if needed
  • Encourage cleaning to prevent cascading issues
    • Reduces risk of infections, skin breakdown, and worsening neglect

Use smell feedback loops (don’t rely on “I’ll notice”)

  • Loss of smell (anosmia) can happen quickly and may prevent someone from noticing their own odor.
  • Because smell nerves connect to the brain, loss of smell may indicate sinus issues, viruses/infections, medication effects, or other underlying causes.
  • Practical supports
    • Ask a trusted person: “Do I smell fresh? Do I look clean?”
    • Try simple at-home smell tests, such as blind testing with potent items:
      • Coffee
      • Cinnamon
    • Re-test periodically if there’s concern

Reduce social isolation (it can also reduce feedback/care)

  • Being homebound or socially isolated may mean:
    • Less feedback from others about smell/cleanliness
    • Gradual “getting used to” how someone smells
  • Social engagement (as discussed) is linked with lower risk of:
    • Disease risk and neurodegeneration

Keep clothing/underwear (and laundry access) consistent

  • Odor can come from skin oils, sweat, and shed skin accumulating in clothing—even if someone sweats less.
  • Practical hygiene supports
    • Change clothes daily, especially underwear
    • If stairs are hard, ensure laundry access isn’t blocked (e.g., wash area placement)
    • Seek help if arthritis/mobility prevents regular outfit changes
  • Hygiene cascade prevention
    • Not changing sheets/clothes can lead to infections, skin breakdown, and sores

Optimize oral hygiene (dry mouth is a major driver)

  • Oral hygiene can worsen with age due to:
    • Shoulder/joint pain limiting brushing
    • Medications causing dry mouth
    • Reduced saliva affecting the oral microbiome
    • Dentures being hard to clean and gums becoming irritated/ulcerated
  • Practical supports
    • Use an electric toothbrush
    • Use water flossers (noted to create mess if done in the wrong place—suggested “maybe in the shower”)
    • Maintain regular dental care; monitor dentures/gum health
  • Why it matters (as stated)
    • Bacterial overgrowth → inflammation → potential increased heart disease risk (through inflammation)

Review medications with a clinician

  • Some medications can change scent via components and side effects:
    • Metformin: metallic taste and sometimes metallic odor
    • Anticholinergics: dryness of mouth/skin and reduced secretions → altered smell
  • Dryness can also shift skin/oral microbiome balance, contributing to odor changes.
  • Practical next step
    • If odor changes started after a medication, discuss it with a healthcare professional and check whether it has dry mouth/dryness as a known effect.

Treat underlying medical conditions that alter body odor

  • Medical conditions can change scent through inflammation, gut/skin microbiome shifts, and infection.
  • Examples discussed:
    • Urine infections (sometimes very noticeable)
    • Diabetes/high blood sugar (long documented association)
    • Malignancy/cancer (noted as associated with smell changes in studies)
    • Infections (including C. difficile mentioned)
    • Esophageal pouch/diverticulum, leading to trapped food and strong breath odor
  • Action-oriented framing
    • Many causes are treatable, especially infections—so odor changes should be evaluated rather than ignored.

(Extra wellness/productivity guidance mentioned in Q&A): mindful eating for carbs/sugars

  • Not a ketogenic recommendation; emphasis on mindful eating and context (weight-loss needs differ).
  • For carbohydrates:
    • Prefer non-refined/whole carbs
    • Check bread ingredients; grocery bread may be heavily processed
  • For sugars:
    • Distinguish refined simple sugars vs complex sugars from fruits/vegetables
    • Whole foods are emphasized because they include fiber and natural slower absorption, reducing inflammatory impact

Presenters / sources

  • Dr. Ben (America’s finest primary care doctor — as named in subtitles)
  • Dr. Peter (co-presenter)
  • Channel / host speaking on behalf of “our team” (referred to as “we” / narrator; individual name not given in subtitles)
  • Ohhighwellness (brand mentioned for wellness products; website references given)
  • Viewers (e.g., a viewer named “Lolo” whose question was answered)

Original video