Smoking – It’s Never Too Late To Quit!

Mark Twain once said: "To cease smoking is the easiest thing I ever did. I ought to know because I've done it a thousand times."

Older smokers, their families and friends know what Mark Twain is talking about. They know that smoking is a dangerous – and expensive – habit and understand the harm caused by tobacco use. They also know that smoking is a tough habit to break especially for older people who have been lighting up for decades. As a caregiver you are probably concerned about the hazards of smoking such as the increase risk of fire and the effects of second-hand smoke on grandchildren and other family members.

FACTS ABOUT SMOKING

Understanding the effects of tobacco use on the body is a first step in quitting smoking.

Knowing the facts can help your older relative make the decision to stop:

• Smoking is the leading cause of cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
• One out of three smokers will die prematurely.
• Smoking is the number one cause of fires that kill older adults.
• Smoking is expensive. The average cost of a pack of cigarettes is $4.50 - $5.00, depending on the brand and local tobacco taxes.
• Smoking has been linked to diseases including mouth, lung and throat cancers; Alzheimer's, hearing and vision loss.
• Family members who live with a smoker are also at risk for tobacco-related diseases caused by second-hand smoke.

REVERSING EFFECTS OF SMOKING

Research shows that older smokers are more likely to stop smoking and remain tobacco-free than younger smokers.

Once they quit, smokers' health starts to improve almost immediately and continues to improve the longer they keep from lighting up:

• Blood pressure drops almost immediately.
• Lung function and blood circulation return to normal.
• Coughing, fatigue, congestion and shortness of breath decrease.
• Risks for lung cancer, stroke, dementia and heart disease decline.
• Sense of smell and taste improve.
• Increased appetite.

STAYING TOBACCO-FREE

Many people who quit smoking feel a sense of pride in having kicked the tobacco habit. You, other relatives and friends can help your non-smoking friend or family member stay tobacco-free.

Some suggestions:

• Let the smoker know you understand how hard it is to stop smoking.
• Have hard candy or other munchies available when the urge to light up strikes.
• Keep the quitter busy to keep his mind off smoking.
• Go places where smoking is not permitted – movies, the library, museums.
• Take walks together when the urge to light up strikes.
• Celebrate tobacco free milestones.

If you discover your parent sneaking a smoke don't scold. Let him know you understand that breaking the tobacco habit is a big challenge and that it often takes several tries for a long-time smoker to become a non-smoker.

LIVING A SMOKE-FREE LIFE

Quitting smoking and remaining smoke-free is a big achievement for your older parent that requires plenty of will-power and commitment. As a caring family member, you can support his efforts to kick the tobacco habit. Together, you can celebrate his healthy, smoke-free new life!