Smoking in the elderly--it's never too late to quit

Approximately 3.5 million persons aged 65 years and older smoke cigarettes in the United States--10.9% of this age group in Oklahoma smokes. Up to half of all smokers will experience death or disability related to smoking. Cigarette smoking has been clearly linked to the most common causes of death in the elderly and contributes to the morbidity and disability associated with many chronic illnesses that are common in this age group. The health benefits of smoking cessation in the elderly have been clearly demonstrated. Although there are barriers to smoking cessation that are specific to the older age group, interventions to promote quitting that are successful in younger smokers have been found to be effective in elderly smokers. The extended longevity and quality of life in this country for persons who achieve old age highlights the need for aggressive practices related to smoking cessation in the elderly.