70% of All Deaths Related to Smoking Happened to People Over 60 Each Year.
IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO QUIT!
If you are in your 60s or older, there are STILL benefits to stop smoking.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Elderly smokers are the highest percentage of people who smoke in the US.
1 out of 5 people die each year from complication from smoking.
70% of all deaths related to smoking happened to people over 60 each year.
Why is the percentage of deaths so high for those over 60? There are thousands of harmful chemicals in cigarettes and other nicotine containing products like cigars and cigarillos that slowly kill you over time.
As you age and continue to smoke, the effects become more apparent. Your chances of getting a serious illness increases. Some physical harm includes a weakened immune system. The system becomes weakened due to chemicals from smoking products and the resultant sludge in the system. Your immune system is your body’s defense to illness, injury or disease.
Do you remember the Boy in the Plastic Bubble movie where the boy was born without an immune system? This is kind of a drastic example, but if your immune system breaks down, you are open to many kinds of infections and your body can’t fight them. If you become ill, the immune system might not be strong enough to assist in its repair.
As you age, you are more susceptible to diseases and illnesses common to those ages. If you are a smoker, you are at greater risk of contracting these diseases and illnesses.
Consequences of smoking start to reveal themselves as you age. As mentioned, 70% of all death related to smoking happened to people over 60 each year. Heart problems is one example that is more common in older adults. If you smoke, your chances of getting heart problems is greater than a non-smoker. Lung cancer is another example. If you smoke then your chances of getting lung cancer is greater than if you don’t smoke.
Other Effects Particularly In Those Over 60 Include The Following:
Dry/wrinkled skin; Thick, dark mucus and thick course coughs; Erectile dysfunction; and Deteriorating muscles.
Dry/wrinkled skin is a result of less oxygen in the body. The mucus and cough are the lung’s response to trying to rid itself of the chemicals coating the lungs. Erectile dysfunction is a result of less oxygen in the body.
Lower muscle mass and deteriorating muscles are the result of lower levels of oxygen flowing through you body. Interesting to note that muscle work is anaerobic which means without oxygen. However, the muscles are getting the oxygen from the body itself. An example of anaerobic exercise is lifting weights. Anaerobic activities may include everyday housework or grocery shopping. Aerobic exercise, meaning with oxygen, is breathing the oxygen in and it being used directly for the heart and lungs. Examples are activities that increase your breathing rate and heart rate such as riding a bike, dancing, Zumba, swimming or walking.
Benefits If You Stop Smoking Now:
If you are in your 60s or older, there are benefits to stop smoking.
You will greatly reduce the risks that are associated with your age of having a heart attack, stroke, or cancer. By stopping smoking, your circulation and lung function will improve, further damage will be stopped if you have emphysema or bronchitis, and you will have energy and stamina. You will notice significant improvement to your body and feel a general wellness. Some people have mentioned that their taste buds have improved so much that they can taste the flavors of food. There are so many things that are possible if you quit now.
It is NEVER TOO LATE TO QUIT!
Start your quit journey with us today.
