12 “Nasty” Things People May Notice in Older Age — and What to Do About Them

That headline is unnecessarily insulting. Getting older does not make someone dirty or unpleasant. Aging can, however, make certain hygiene issues more common because of changes in mobility, skin, bladder function, medications, or oral health.

Here are 12 things worth paying attention to:

1. Body odor — regular washing and clean clothes can help; a sudden unexplained change deserves attention.
2. Bad breath — persistent bad breath can be related to gum disease, dry mouth, dental problems, or other conditions.
3. Unwashed hair or scalp — reduced mobility or difficulty showering can make grooming harder.
4. Dirty or overgrown nails — keeping nails clean and trimmed helps maintain hygiene.
5. Skin-fold irritation — moisture under the breasts, abdomen, groin, or other folds can cause irritation; keeping folds clean and dry is important.
6. Not washing the feet — particularly between the toes, where moisture can encourage skin problems.
7. Urine odor or leakage — urinary incontinence becomes more common with age, but it is not something a person should simply accept; several treatable causes exist.
8. Soiled underwear or clothing — accidents can happen and should be handled without embarrassment or shame.
9. Dirty dentures — dentures need regular cleaning just like natural teeth.
10. Persistent mouth dryness — some medications and medical conditions can cause dry mouth, which can make chewing, swallowing and oral hygiene more difficult.
11. Strong or unusual odors from wounds or skin — these can sometimes indicate infection and should be medically assessed.
12. Difficulty keeping up with personal hygiene — if someone who previously managed bathing, dressing, toileting or grooming suddenly cannot, it may indicate a physical, cognitive, or mobility problem rather than simply “being lazy