5 Tips to Help Seniors Quit Smoking

By Andy Niska | July 9, 2019 |

There are all kinds of reasons for seniors to quit smoking, like a reduced risk of lung cancer, less respiratory illnesses, and better overall health. However, sometimes it isn’t the “why” that prevents people from quitting. It’s often the “how” that is a problem. Nicotine is addictive, so giving it up can be very difficult, especially someone who has smoked for many years. If your aging relative has made the decision to quit smoking, but could use some help doing it, below are 5 tips that may help them to quit.

#1: Identify the Motivation

Picking a specific reason, they want to quit, or a goal that quitting can help them meet may strengthen their resolve to stick with their smoking cessation plan. Yes, the senior probably knows it will make them healthier, but picking something more concrete is often useful. For example, perhaps they have lost a friend or family member to lung cancer, so they want to quit in that person’s honor and to reduce their own chances of getting the disease. Or, the reason could be wanting to protect a new grandchild from the dangers of secondhand smoke.

#2: Make a Date with Being Smoke-Free

Have the senior pick a date no further than one month away that they will be entirely free from cigarettes by. Picking a date that is too far away gives them an opportunity to change their mind. Mark the date on the calendar, so they can see it.

#3: See a Doctor

There are medicines and strategies available to help the older adult to quit smoking. Talking to a doctor can make the senior aware of all their options. Having a medication to help with the withdrawal symptoms can make quitting much easier.

#4: Avoid Triggers

Seeing ashtrays, lighters, and packs of cigarettes lying around the house can increase cravings. Get rid of them all. It’s also a good idea to thoroughly clean the house to rid it of smoke odors. Then, if the senior wants to smoke, they’ll need to do it outside, which can be a deterrent.

#5: Expect Slip Ups

Older adults should be reminded that giving up cigarettes is hard. They may not progress along the path perfectly. If they should take a puff off a cigarette or smoke one or two, that doesn’t mean they have to stop trying. Instead, they need to forgive themselves for the mistake and keep trying.

Elder care can also assist older adults to quit smoking. An elder care provider can be part of the support system that encourages the senior to keep trying and working toward their goal. An elder care provider can distract them with an activity until the craving for a cigarette stops. In addition, elder care providers can remind the senior to take cessation medications, if needed.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Elder Care Spokane , WA, please contact the friendly staff at Love at Home Senior Care, today. Call (509)474-0663.

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Andy Niska

Owner at Love In Home Senior Care

Andy has over 20+ years experience in the medical community and has a true compassion for seniors. With a degree in Health Care Administration, he developed a background in a variety of health care services that only comes from first hand experience. While working as a manager of a large clinic and as an account executive for medical suppliers. Andy has built valuable relationships with the medical community.

His role in Love In Home Senior Care is to educate people on what care choice is the best fit for the senior and their family while attempting to make this decision as stress-free as possible for everyone involved.

This decision making process should be smooth and stress free for everyone, including all family members and their loved ones. Having access to people with experience (like the team at Love In Home Senior Care) to assist you along the way can help this process. With an extensive background in health care, Andy has the experience needed to guide and direct your loved one to the choice that is the best fit.