Redefining smoking and the self as a nonsmoker

A grounded theory approach was used to develop a substantive theory answering the question, What are older adults' experiences who have quit smoking? Interviews were conducted with 21 elders with a mean age of 67 years who had quit smoking for a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 5 years. Data analysis yielded a core variable redefining smoking and the self as a nonsmoker, which was indicated by the major theoretical categories of recognizing the need to quit, making the decision, learning to be a nonsmoker, and sustaining as a nonsmoker. Participants actually changed their views about smoking and themselves as smokers. They believed that they were vulnerable because of their ages and that age and smoking were a problematic combination. Findings support that nurses and other health care providers can assist older adults in the process of quitting smoking.