What are the effects of smoking cessation for older adults?

Gaining Health Benefits

For many long-term or older smokers, the drive to quit smoking is often comprised or derailed by the feeling that the “damage is already done.” However, smoking cessation has numerous immediate health benefits, whether the smoker is young or old. They include, in just one day: an increase of blood circulation; a decrease in carbon monoxide levels in the blood; decreases in heart rate and blood pressure; and a decrease in the risk of having a heart attack. In several days to several weeks, smoking cessation can improve the sense of smell and taste, increase lung capacity, and ease breathing. In several weeks to nine months, ex-smokers should see energy levels increase and should have cleaner and more functional lungs.

Quitting smoking has additional health benefits as well. Colds and other respiratory tract infections become less common, and both sinus congestion and shortness of breath decrease. The risk of heart disease and lung cancer also decreases, and risk can eventually be similar to that of a lifelong nonsmoker. Additionally, smoking cessation decreases the risk of peripheral vascular disease, stroke, and chronic lung disease (bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma). Giving up cigarettes may also reduce the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, thyroid conditions, hearing loss, erectile dysfunction, dementia, and osteoporosis.

Older smokers are usually more successful at quitting smoking than younger smokers. This is especially true if they already have health problems, particularly those associated with smoking. Studies suggest that elderly persons who ask their doctors about help for smoking cessation are more likely to receive that help and are more likely to be successful quitters. While quitting all at once tends to be most effective, selecting an appropriate method of quitting and learning how to handle stress are important for those considering smoking cessation. The following are imperative for successful smoking cessation: understanding cravings and how to handle them through distraction; understanding the importance of familial and other support; and avoiding weight gain by eating healthy and exercising. It should also be noted that most ex-smokers make several attempts to quit before they are successful.

Appel, D. W., and T. K. Aldrich. “Smoking Cessation in the Elderly.” Clinics in Geriatric Medicine 19.1 (2003): 77–100. Print.

Elhassen, Amir, and R. Dobbin Chow. “Smoking Cessation in the Elderly.” Clinical Geriatrics 15.2 (2007): 38–45. Print.

Whitson, H. E., M. T. Helfin, and B. M. Burchett. “Patterns and Predictors of Smoking Cessation in an Elderly Cohort.” Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 54.3 (2006): 466–471. Print.