Responses to letter-writer about men’s smelly odor

Dear Annie: You printed a letter from “Wondering,” who asked why older men smell bad, don’t change their clothes and live in filthy homes. You mentioned it could be the lack of a female presence .

My husband suddenly had this problem of a bad odor. He has impeccable hygiene, showering every day, sometimes twice a day. He wears clothing once before it goes into the laundry. We finally figured out that he was taking too much fish oil along with an antidepressant that had been increasing how much he would sweat. He still takes the fish oil, but at a much smaller dose, and the problem has gone away. My brother also had an odor problem, but I think it was due to smoking, poor dental care and forgetting that wool sweaters benefit from a trip to the dry cleaners every so often.

A gentle conversation with these men asking how they are doing, a suggestion to get checkups with their doctor to see if there is a physical reason and be screened for depression could help. It can’t hurt and it may be the first time these guys have had these gentle kindnesses done for them in a long time. Then invite them over for dinner, stink and all. Be a friend. — Wife with Sweat Smelling Hubby

Dear Wife: Thank you for your compassionate and sensible response. Here’s more: Dear Annie: I was surprised that you didn’t also mention that these men might be depressed, another reason for not caring about their homes or their hygiene. — Squeaky Clean 68-yearold Single Female in Montreal

Dear Annie: My husband is 80 and has been the same way for years. He doesn’t shower for a week, and then sleeps in his recliner in the same clothes. He doesn’t even take off his shoes. When I tell him he needs a shower, he says, “Yes, I know,” but doesn’t do it. He says it is too much trouble. I don’t get it

— Living with Stinky

Dear Annie: “Wondering” may want to suggest that his gentlemen friends have a smell test at their next checkup. It is not uncommon for men (and women) to have a decreased sense of smell over time, and it can indicate a serious illness. — Caregiver