Tobacco smoking in older people

Authors: Allen, S.C.

Journal: Reviews in Clinical Gerontology

Volume: 19

Issue: 3

Pages: 185-192

eISSN: 1469-9036

ISSN: 0959-2598

DOI: 10.1017/S0959259809990256

Abstract:

Summary Smoking remains prevalent in elderly people in the UK and similar countries. The adverse health effects of current smoking continue to accumulate in old age and stopping smoking in old age confers benefits on function, morbidity and mortality. Many elderly people wish to stop smoking and many are successful. Structured support from health and social care workers improves quit rates and nicotine replacement therapy can be an effective aid to smoking cessation in old age. Doctors and other healthcare staff should use the opportunities of patient contact to encourage older smokers to quit. Cognitive impairment is a barrier to successful smoking cessation. © 2009 Cambridge University Press.

Source: Scopus