Smokers who survive to age 65 and over continue to suffer the health consequences of cigarettes, reflected in high rates of death, major chronic illnesses, and disability. Older adults who quit smoking improve their survival statistics within 2 years and have lower rates of coronary events, improvement in pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms, and better quality of life. Physicians, other health professionals, and families and friends should actively urge older men and women to stop smoking.
