No, I don't have a Ph.D. or a string of letters after my name. But I do have something many experts don't: years of firsthand experience living the life they're studying. And sometimes that's a pretty good teacher.
This is why I take exception with something I read recently online in a science oriented website called “Futura-science.com” which purports to show scientific evidence why showering frequently is not only unnecessary for people over 65, but may actually be harmful.
The article which you can, and should read, can be found here.
The article, titled "Over 65 and aiming to stay healthy? This may be the ideal shower routine," argues that older adults should shower no more than three times a week and use soap only twice a week.
According to the experts—mostly dermatologists—aging skin becomes thinner and more fragile. They say frequent hot showers and regular soap use can dry out and damage the skin. Their advice is to use warm water, gentle cleansers or moisturizing soaps, soft washcloths, and to bathe less often.
I don't disagree with the medical advice about protecting aging skin. That all makes sense.
Where I part company with the experts is on how often older people should bathe. My opinion isn't based on laboratory studies or medical journals. It's based on something a little less scientific but just as real—spending the past 15 years living with and around seniors every day, as well as my nose. And from what I've seen, the recommended bathing schedule doesn't always match real life.
"Old people smell" is real. Science has confirmed it.
You don't need a laboratory or a research study to figure that out. Just spend a little time anywhere large numbers of seniors gather. Sometimes the odor is noticeable as soon as you walk in. Other times, it's impossible to ignore.
I know it, and so does everyone who lives or works here at the assisted living facility. The truth is, some people simply smell bad. And it isn't always because of the natural body odor that comes with aging. More often, it's because they don't bathe often enough or they wear the same clothes for days at a time.
Here, residents can shower as often as they want. If they need help, staff members are available to assist them. There's no rule limiting how often someone can bathe. The real reasons some people don't shower are much simpler: they don't want to, they forget, or they just don't care.
That's why I'm skeptical of blanket recommendations telling older adults to shower only a few times a week. In the real world, many seniors would benefit from bathing more often, not le
Chances are, if you're reading this and still have a reasonable amount of gray matter working, you probably shower on a regular basis and know how to use soap, shampoo, and a washcloth.
But I'll also bet you know someone—a friend, a relative, or maybe even a neighbor—who has wandered over to the dark side and decided that bathing is somehow optional.
If you do, be kind. Be understanding. But don't be shy. Sometimes the kindest thing you can do is tell them, "My friend, it's time to get your bony butt in the shower and wash that stink off."
Trust me. Everyone around them will thank you.
...bwc
