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Why You're Never Too Old To Benefit From Quitting Smoking
Monday, May 10, 2021
Quitting smoking improves your health immediately. It doesn't matter how long you've been smoking or how old you are, it will have a significant impact on your health. You can start to feel the difference in how you feel in as little as 24 hours. While it might be difficult to stop, especially if you've been smoking for decades, it is essential to stop to prolong your life and feel better physically. People over 60 years old are more likely to be open to quitting, especially if they have other health concerns. They are also more likely to be successful in quitting smoking than younger people. If you're wondering the effects it will have on your phone or how to get started with quitting, keep reading for some tips and suggestions.
What Happens To Your Body When You Stop?
One Day
- Increase in blood circulation
- Levels of carbon monoxide in blood go decrease
- Blood pressure decreases
- Heart rate decreases
Several Days to Weeks
- Sense of taste and smell improves
- Lung capacity increases
- Breathing feels easier to do
One to Nine Months
- Lungs are more functional
- Feeling less shortness of breath
- Sickness (colds & other respiratory issues) becomes less frequent
- Increased energy levels
Long-term Benefits
- Risk of heart disease and heart attack decreases
- Risk of cancers (mouth, esophagus, larynx, bladder, pancreas, and kidney) decreases
- Risk of dying prematurely decreases
- Chances of chronic lung disease, stroke, osteoporosis, dementia, cataracts, thyroid conditions and hearing loss may decrease as well
Other Benefits of Stopping
As you can see above there are many positive changes your body goes through once you quit smoking. There are also a lot of changes that can help you and the people around you. After quitting your clothes and belongings won't smell like smoke anymore. Not only is it an unpleasant smell for non-smokers but it is also dangerous. When you smoke around non-smokers this is known as second hand smoke and it can be just as dangerous as smoking. Your children and grandchildren will benefit from you quitting. Third hand smoke is also a potential danger to others who touch and breathe the residual nicotine that's left on soft surfaces (couch, clothes etc.). When you quit you're also setting a healthy example for you children and grandchildren, showing them you want to live a long health life and are making the change.
Get Help With Quitting 
- Talk to Your Doctor- If you have other medical concerns, it is best to first talk with your doctor to figure out the best and safest way you can quit smoking. Not every option listed will be a good choice for everyone.
- Research- Read books and research online when you're thinking of quitting smoking. Read more in depth the changes you can expect to happen to your body and mind when you go through the process. Reading about the positive changes that will happen can motivate you to get through the cravings.
- Join Groups- There are groups you can attend in person or join over social media. To find a smoking cessation group near you, check with your local health department. Talking to other people going through the same thing may help you feel more confident in your decision. It's good to have a support system of people who can relate to the thoughts and feelings you have.
- Use Money Reward System- It's no secret that smoking is an extremely expensive habit. The cost of cigarettes rises every year and depending how much you smoke that can add up to a lot of money. The average cost of a pack of cigarettes is $6.65 if you smoke a pack a week that adds up to $344/year. If you smoke a pack a day that adds up to $2,427.25/year. Use that money you're saving to make another purchase for yourself. Maybe you can use it to buy new computer or maybe for a vacation.
- Mobile Apps- There are mobile apps that you can download to your smartphone that are geared towards 60+ such as SmokeFree. This app can help you track how many days it's been since you smoke, give you tips on cravings, and get daily notifications on what's happening in your body based on how long it's been since you quit.
How Can I Break the Habit of Smoking?
Smoking isn't just a bad habit, your body has an addiction to nicotine and will go through withdrawals if you quit cold turkey. Some people are able to just quit and handle the withdrawals, while others may need to wean their bodies off of the nicotine. Both ways are perfectly ok to do (check with your doctor first) as long as you're able to stick with it and kick the habit. There are many options to go through to ease the withdrawals, some of these include nicotine gum, lozenges, or patches, prescription pills, or hypnosis.
Healthy Alternatives To Replace The Habit
After many years of smoking you have created a
habit. This habit is the habit of putting something in your mouth. Since you will no longer have cigarettes to fill this habit, you may feel like you need a way to wean yourself away from that. Here are some healthier options you can use if you find yourself reaching for a cigarette to satisfy the urge.
- Snacking- Try eating something small such as a snack, sugar free gum or sugar free candy.
- Engage in New Hobbies- Try a new hobby, if you're living at senior living community, they offer clubs to join, fitness classes, and other activities to participate in.
- Flavored Toothpicks- Try using flavored toothpicks, there are many flavors available and they don't have any sugar. They also have a tingly effect on your tongue and lips.
- Visit With Friends or Family- Go out to a movie or dinner to get your mind off of it.
- Non-Smoking Places- Spend time in places where smoking isn't allowed such as restaurants or libraries.
- Try Yoga or Meditation- Trying yoga or meditation can help rewire your brain into breaking the habit while working on your breathing techniques for an overall body healing experience.