The Effect of Smoking on the Elderly

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking affects nearly all of the body's organs and functions. It contributes to such health issues such as cancer, heart disease and respiratory disease.

The Facts

The American Lung Association (ALA) states that elderly men and women, who are heavy smokers, and have been smoking for forty years or longer, have a significantly increased risk of suffering from smoke-related illnesses.

Warning

Ninety percent of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-related deaths are caused by smoking in the elderly. The ALA reports that male smokers age 65 and over are two times more likely to die from a stroke, and elderly women smokers are one-and-a-half times more likely to die of a stroke.

Effects

The CDC also reports that smoking among elderly men and women increases the likelihood of developing dementia. The effects of smoking on the elderly reduces their life expectancy by approximately 15 years.

Misconceptions

Although the elderly are likely to believe that smoking has not or will not effect there health, there are misconceptions about smoking. Even though tobacco comes from a plant, cigarettes contain more than just the tobacco.

Prevention/Solution

The ALA reports, complete smoking cessation, even at a late age, has increased health benefits, such as better circulation and stronger lungs.

References

• Smoking and Tobacco Use
• American Lung Association