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Older people experience more disease consequences of smoking due to the prolonged duration of tobacco use and cumulative injury. Despite this sobering fact, seniors of any age who quit smoking experience significantly improved health and a reduction in smoking-related diseases.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that about eight out of every 100 adults who are aged 65 and older currently smoke, which is roughly 8.2 percent of individuals. Ethnicity, marital status, income, and education are not barriers to individuals who currently smoke.
What diseases are linked with smoking?
In the United States, smoking is considered to be the leading cause of preventable death. Lighting up a cigarette or pipe is responsible for damaging nearly every organ in the human body. Smoking also causes a range of diseases in smokers.
1. Respiratory, Cardiovascular, and Eye Diseases
Prolonged smoking causes health issues, such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia, influenza, and other respiratory conditions. Older people who smoke can experience cardiovascular disease and stroke. Eye diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration, are likely to occur in smokers.
2. Dementias
Smoking increases cardiovascular risk, and heart problems are linked with a higher risk for dementia. Geriatric medical experts conclude that elderly individuals who currently smoke have a higher risk for developing dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, or cognitive decline later on.
3. Cancers
Cancers plague smokers. Seniors experience cancers of the mouth, liver, pancreas, stomach, pharynx, or esophagus. Lung cancer is among the top causes of smoking-related deaths in smokers over the age of 60. Chronic obstructive lung disease death rates are equivalent to heart disease mortalities.
4. Severe Illness from Covid-19
Smoking cigarettes diminishes the immune system’s capabilities, which can potentially lead to older smokers becoming immunocompromised. Consequently, elderly smokers, both current and former smokers, have a higher risk for contracting severe illness when they become infected by the coronavirus (Covid-19).
Advancing age increases the mortality rates among elderly smokers. In fact, data from the National Library of Medicine’s National Center for Biotechnology Information reveals that approximately 70 percent of 400,000 deaths occur in smokers who are over the age of 60.
What are the benefits of quitting smoking?
Quitting smoking is the most effective way to reduce disease and death rates in individuals who are over 60 years old. While the benefits of smoking cessation manifest more slowly, elderly smokers stand to gain significantly when it comes to promoting health in the long term.
Many cardiovascular issues attributed to smoking, for example, can be improved within five years of quitting smoking. Risks for heart attacks drop sharply within one to two years of cessation. The risks for dying from lung cancer are reduced by half within 10 years of quitting smoking.
Further benefits of stopping a nicotine habit include improved blood circulation. Seniors who quit experience a better sense of smell and taste. Older adults who no longer smoke do not constantly reek of tobacco smoke. These aging individuals also set a healthy example for their grandkids.
How do seniors quit smoking?
By the time an aging individual makes the decision to quit smoking, the senior is likely to have been smoking for three or four decades. A lifelong habit is rarely easy to break. Fortunately, seniors who intend to quit smoking are more successful in their attempts than their younger counterparts.
Elderly smokers who cease smoking experience health benefits within 30 minutes. After 24 hours, the risk for a heart attack drops. Two weeks later, lung functions improve. One year after quitting, the risk for coronary artery disease is half that of a smoker.
1. Quit Gradually
Easing off smoking is one step toward the ultimate goal of quitting completely. A senior should start by decreasing how often he smokes and limit one or two cigarettes at a time. Dropping the smoking habit cold turkey is an option, since the consequences are few, if any.
2. Use Medications, Gum or Patches
Medication, like Chantix, reduce cravings by blocking nicotine receptors in the brain. Similarly, patches and gum replace the nicotine with a less harmful option and come in varying dosages. A physician can refer the senior to a healthcare professional, like a behavioral therapist, to help with cessation.
3. Seek Social Support
Friends and companions, especially those who likewise intend to quit smoking, can offer invaluable support. Quitting services are available to give seniors a motivational boost. A professional caregiver, too, can be encouraging in helping the senior see the benefits of quitting.
Professional caregivers, for instance, will accompany the senior on walks or other enjoyable physical activity. Incorporating exercise is an important part of the quitting journey. Caregivers will also remind seniors to take the medications prescribed for symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.
Quitting smoking may require multiple attempts. Seniors who eventually succeed will be rewarded with improved health and well-being. Older adults who wish to make healthier lifestyle choices will receive ample support from the professional caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care.
We are a nationally recognized leader in senior home care. Our teams of dedicated caregivers are available to support the non-medical needs of seniors in our care. Home care is a viable option for elderly individuals who prefer to age in the comfort of home and lead an independent lifestyle.
Typical caregiver responsibilities include helping seniors with personal hygiene tasks, providing transportation to doctors’ offices, social events or exercise classes, shopping for groceries, preparing nutritious meals, giving timely medication reminders, performing light housekeeping, and serving as pleasant companions to ward off isolation and loneliness.
Our caregivers will motivate your elderly loved one when they want to quit smoking or live a healthier lifestyle overall. The physical and emotional well-being of our care recipients is our number one priority. We provide a range of flexible care options to suit the care needs of seniors.
Seniors living in Medinah, Glendale Heights, Itasca, Bensenville, Elmhurst, Villa Park, Addison, Lombard, Illinois, and surrounding areas, are encouraged to consult Assisting Hands Home Care for the best in-home care. Our quality elder care services are comprehensive and meet the daily needs of seniors. Contact us at (630) 526-6522 to learn more about our many care options and start dependable senior care today.
