Smoking among seniors, a reflection put aside

"The Parties recognize that financial and fiscal measures are an effective and important means of reducing tobacco consumption among various categories of the population, in particular young people."

Article 6.1 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

The Preamble to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control highlights the challenges of youth smoking. However, smoking among older people is also an important area for action to improve the living conditions of older people.

If active smoking declines with age, it is notably because this age category presents a significant mortality among smokers (smokers have a life expectancy ten years lower than in a population). However, the share of elderly smokers is not negligible and is increasing: in 2010, among seniors between 65 and 74 years old, the smoking prevalence was 10% for men.

Older smokers are generally long-term smokers. However, some start smoking following a stressful experience (bereavement, admission to a nursing home, etc.). Studies show that smoking among seniors is generally combined with other addictions, particularly alcohol. This late addiction to tobacco results in a mortality rate that is almost double that of a non-smoking population. The causes of this excess mortality are numerous and include lung cancer, cardiovascular disease and obstructive pulmonary disease. In addition, age-specific risks are increased among smokers: it is possible to observe a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease, worsening of osteoporosis, etc.

Even in older smokers, quitting smoking is beneficial. The effects of quitting smoking have immediate positive effects on the body, regardless of the individual's age. One study explains that smokers who quit smoking at the age of 65 gain 4 years of life expectancy.