Ageing mum has started to smell - worried

[Squirrel81]

I’ve not really ever been around old people much until now because my grandparents died when I was very young so this is new to me.

My mum is in her 70s now and the last two times I’ve seen her she’s had an almost sewegy smell or a bit like something is rotting. It sounds so awful to say and she is the cleanest person ever so I know it’s not bad hygiene. She seems healthy but I don’t know if she gets regular doctors check ups. She’s also still all there mentally.

Has anyone else experienced this and what could it be? Could it be something worrying? I am a worrier. We have poor communication in our family and I don’t know whether to raise it or if it will just make her feel bad when she can’t do anything about it.

I am pregnant, tired, stressed, a lot on my mind and adding this is taking its toll.

Some vulval issues can smell “cabbagey” and can be seriously in need of medical attention . Sometimes older women, well women of all ages actually, can be too embarrassed to talk about/seek help.
its not unheard of for people to cope with unpleasant symptoms until the issue is raised with them or they can no longer cope.
A kind approach may allow your mum to open up if she’s been having problems

How do you imagine that would play out?

If its old people smell (nonenal whatever), Persimmon soap is meant to work really well for it.

Could she have tonsil stones?