THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE FLAIR Magazine of Monday May 29 had an interesting article by Keisha Shakespear-Blackmore. This article made some general comments about older men and tried to substantiate them with quotes from Dr. Errol Williamson.
I personally found very little of scientific value from the article, and much to disagree with. The process of ageing is not associated with any biological process that results in an unfavourable odour. This is true for both genders.
Most older folks continue to follow good general hygiene, and in general they are more attentive to their personal hygiene than many youths.
The leakage of urine can, and does occur, in both genders.
TESTOSTERONE LEVELS
Testosterone levels fall with ageing, in both genders, and it is therefore misleading to attribute any smell in older men to high testosterone levels.
Asserting that older women have no odour because their estrogen levels are low is wrong on any and every count. Linking odours to estrogen levels in older women is as baseless as the similar attempt in older men.
Local studies show that over 80 per cent of our seniors are able to care for self, even at advanced ages.
OFFENSIVE BODY ODOURS
Factually, older folks may develop offensive body odours due to illness, such as prostate problems in men and incontinence in women, or due to inability to afford proper personal care, among other reasons.
These are however the exception to the rule, and from my perspective most older persons are as clear and pleasant to be around as anyone else.
In these hard times when older Jamaicans are trying their best to stay above water, they would do better without these negative, insensitive and erroneous labels. I continue to be a devoted reader of the Flair.
I am, etc.,
DR. ALBERT CHEN
Clinical Gerontologist
dilini@cwjamaica.com
Kingston 8
