Seniors And Tobacco: It’s Not Too Late To Quit

World No Tobacco Day is on May 31st. The day was created to encourage smokers around the globe to quit smoking and improve their health. No matter your age and how long you’ve been smoking, it’s never too late to experience the benefits of quitting smoking on your health and overall wellbeing.

Health Risks For Seniors Who Smoke

Smoking has been linked to many diseases and health issues for seniors, including:

• Higher risk of developing dementia.
• Increased risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
• Hearing loss and decreased ability to smell and taste.
• Decrease in physical strength and ability.
• Higher risk of developing osteoporosis, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

Benefits Of Quitting

• Reduce your risk of developing diseases and complications related to smoking: Quitting smoking will help your health at any age. When you quit, your risk of heart disease is cut in half after just one year, and after five years your stroke risk drops to that of a non-smoker.
• Improve your current health: If you already have a smoking-related illness, you can help manage your condition and delay its progression by quitting smoking. Some medications are also less effective due to the chemicals inhaled when smoking, and quitting can help your medication to work better so you can stay healthier.
• Enhance your senses: Smoking decreases your ability to taste and smell, and you’ll notice your senses start to come back just a few days after quitting.

Tips To Help You Quit

• Avoid situations that trigger cravings: Certain places, people, and situations can provoke strong cigarette cravings. For example, being around people who are smoking and spending time in places where you used to smoke regularly can be triggers. Create a plan so you know what to do when you encounter these situations to help you avoid temptation. You may need to excuse yourself from a group of smoking friends or find a new place to relax that you don’t mentally associate with smoking. If you tell friends and family that you’re quitting smoking, they will most likely be supportive and avoid smoking around you.
• Keep snacks and gum on hand: Chewing on a piece of hard candy, crunchy snacks, or gum can help reduce cigarette cravings. Long-term smokers are accustomed to keeping their hands and mouths busy by holding or smoking a cigarette, and learning to keep those parts still when quitting is a challenge. Chewing gum can help create a similar feeling of ‘busyness’ and provide a distraction when cravings occur.
• Find support networks: Your family and friends can provide you with the support you need to stop smoking. Your loved ones can encourage you to keep going when you feel tempted, and grandchildren can provide a distraction and reminder as to why you quit in the first place. Quitting smoking at any age will benefit your health, which will give you more time to enjoy with your grandchildren.
• Enjoy your hobbies: Hobbies provide a distraction when you feel tempted to reach for a cigarette. This can include hobbies puzzles, knitting, sewing, walking, painting, and clubs. Keeping busy is an important aspect of quitting smoking to alleviate stress and cravings.

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