It's never too late to quit smoking

Handle on Health

By Judith Allender

(Updated: Friday, April 04, 2008, 5:52 PM)

Some smokers who are older think they are unable to quit smoking. Some are afraid to quit. One woman, nearly 70, who was widowed for several years, found that smoking was the only thing she had left that was part of her previous life. She didn't know how she was going to spend her time or how she was going to kick back and relax without a cigarette.

Most older smokers know they should quit. If they don't have serious health problems from the 40 to 60-year habit such as lung cancer or emphysema they have some nagging symptoms. They may have hoarseness, a smoker's cough, or feel drained. The cost of cigarettes on an elder's fixed income is great when added up over a year. At a one pack a day habit with the average cost per pack of $4 = $1,460 a year. That is almost $3,000 a year for a two pack a day habit or 25 percent of the average Social Security check. They are controlled by a cigarette that is slowly deteriorating their health and shrinking their pocketbook.

According to a article in the American Journal of Public Health, men who quit smoking at age 65 gain up to two additional years of life, while a woman gains more than 3.5 years. They younger you stop, the more years you add.

How does an older adult stop smoking? First you need to decide when you are ready. My husband stopped "cold turkey" when he saw his older sister walking around with oxygen when she was 60. That was 16 years ago and now he wishes he quit earlier. It wasn't easy for him or the family for that matter, but after a month each day it became easier and easier. Some people cut down gradually on the number of cigarettes, keeping the most important ones for last -- after a meal, with a drink in the evening. It's sort of like dieting -- some people do well with a free-choice plan limiting what they eat with a point system. Others do better when certain foods are off-limits. Know which way works best for you.

Get help quitting if you need it. A support group, telephone help lines, nicotine patches, gum, or mints. Be sure to clear your home of all smoking triggers -- ashtrays, matches, lighters. Clean your house thoroughly. Use a spray deodorizer to eliminate the tobacco smell -- if you are a smoker your house and clothing smells like smoke. You may not notice it, but others always do.

While you begin quitting, stay busy. Drink lots of water to flush the nicotine from your system. Try to break habits or triggers that generate the feeling that you want to smoke. Don't sit at the dining room table after a meal -- take a walk. Don't have your usual cocktail in the evening -- start drinking fruit smoothies. Work on reducing stress -- start a hobby long put off, begin an exercise program -- something you enjoy. Quit smoking with a buddy and be a support for each other. Do what you need to do. It is never too late to quit, and you may just stay well.