I remember the distinct “scent” I would smell whenever I was around my grandma. I use to think it was just a mixture of Sulfur 8, Baking Soda, Mothballs and a little bit of “chitlins.” HOWEVER, I now have confirmation that this “smell” is simply a characteristic of “older people.” CNN has the story

You know that smell in retirement homes and your grandmother’s house? Mothballs and stale air may not be entirely to blame.

In a new study, researchers have confirmed for the first time that older people have a recognizable body odor that can’t be fully explained by grooming, diet, or other environmental quirks. In fact, the study found, this “old person smell” is distinctive enough that young adults can more often than not identify an old person by body odor alone.