Staying active

Most of us know that smoking can damage your health. But as we grow older this important health message can seem to be less relevant.

However‚ the health risks caused by smoking are just as relevant to older people. Stopping smoking is the greatest single thing smokers can do to improve their health.

Some facts about smoking:

• 100 million people died as a result of smoking in the 20th Century.
• According to the Royal College of Physicians‚ tobacco is as addictive as heroin or cocaine.
• Smoking costs the National Health Service £1.7 billion a year.
• There are about 12 million adult cigarette smokers in the UK and another 3 million who smoke pipes and cigars.
• One in two long-term smokers will die prematurely as a result of smoking – half of these in middle age.
• A 20-a-day smoker will spend about £1‚600 a year on cigarettes.

Benefits of stopping smoking

Whether you smoke cigarettes‚ a pipe‚ or cigars‚ giving up is one of the single most beneficial things you can do for your immediate and long term health. Stop smoking and the body will begin to repair the damage done almost immediately.

• Reducing you risk of disability through smoking-related diseases of the heart and lungs‚ for example bronchitis and emphysema.
• Improves your senses of taste and smell. This may encourage you to take more interest in what you eat.
• May reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis‚ a condition where the bones become brittle and prone to breaking.
• If you have grandchildren‚ you will be protecting them from passive smoking. Passive smoking is when you breathe other people’s smoke.

How do I stop smoking?

Although it may seem like a good idea to cut down and then stop‚ this is actually very difficult to do in practice.

• Get professional help... ring the NHS Smoking Helpline on freephone 0800 1690 169 for information and advice.
• Prepare mentally... make a list of reasons why you want to stop. This could help you through the most difficult moments.
• Consider the money... main brand cigarettes now cost up to £5.00 per packet of 20.
• Set a date... some people make a New Year’s Day resolution‚ others pick their birthday or another memorable date.
• Watch out for relapse... you will need to be on your guard‚ especially in the first few days or weeks. “I’ll have just one‚ it can’t harm” is the start of a long slippery slope to continued smoking...

Further information

For more tips on giving up smoking please download our ageing well leaflet at the top right of this page.