It’s Never Too Late to Quit

Many seniors who smoke feel like it is too late to quit. If you’ve been smoking almost your whole life, it may seem that it is not worth it to quit later in life. But there are some real benefits to quitting, even if you are older.

First, you will find that your senses of taste and smell will improve. As you age, these senses naturally begin to decline. Smoking intensifies that effect. But quitting smoking will improve your sense of taste and smell, letting you enjoy your food and environment much more.

You also will benefit from an immediate reduction in your heart rate and blood pressure. There is improved lung function in ex-smokers. If you deal with a chronic or nagging cough, giving up smoking will improve that. This is a gradual improvement, but research by the American Cancer Society shows that the cilia in your lungs regains normal function within about six months. After a year of quitting, your risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half. After five years, your risk of mouth, throat, esophagus, and bladder cancer is also half of that of a smoker’s.

Finally, you will immediately begin to save money. Smoking is expensive and every dollar you don’t spend on cigarettes is more money in your pocket. As most seniors are on a fixed income, this can make a significant difference.

It can be difficult to quit after decades of smoking, but there is assistance available for seniors. Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for coverage of smoking cessation counseling even if there is no symptom of disease. Talk to your doctor is you are ready to quit smoking and would like help.


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