The quote humorously captures the sudden and comedic transformation of a character who ages from sixteen to seventy-five in an instant. The mention of "old-man smell" emphasizes the abruptness of aging, highlighting how certain traits, like scent, can signify age in a playful manner.
This moment reflects the broader themes in "The Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan, where characters face rapid changes and challenges that come with maturity. It suggests that aging can bring unexpected and often humorous changes, providing a lighthearted take on the seriousness of growing older.