We all know that smoking is bad for us. If you smoke, you probably already know that as well. You might have thought about quitting every now and then, but then probably thought that it would be futile. After all, you’ve already made it this far! Quitting smoking is also a hard habit for anyone to break, and this can be especially true the longer this has been a habit. However, it’s not true that there’s no point in quitting smoking in your senior years. We list out why here.
Better Quality of Breathing
Even just 30 minutes without a cigarette can lower your blood pressure and heart rate. Going 48 hours without a cigarette can see your lungs clearing out. Going 4 days without a cigarette leads to easier breathing and more energy. If you’re a heavy smoker, you’ll have more progressive results. These results all occur in such a short span of time, so why not start quitting today? The benefits will start even 30 minutes after you’ve decided to put down that cigarette.
A Decrease in Sick Days
Those who smoke cigarettes are more prone to illness than those who don’t. They are also at a higher risk of developing diseases such bronchitis or pneumonia. Even chances of catching the common cold or flu are higher if you smoke. Quitting smoking can help you decrease your sick days, giving you more time to spend on activities and events that you can enjoy while healthy.
Lowers the Risk of Cancer
The sooner you quit smoking, the lower your risk of getting cancer. It’s not just lung cancer smokers have to worry about either. Other cancers often contracted by those who smoke are esophagus, throat and colon cancer. If you want to reduce your chances of getting cancer, try and quit today. It’s never too late to stop.
Lowers the Risk of Stroke and Heart Disease
It’s not just cancer you have to worry about. Smoking is one of the leading causes of stroke and heart disease. When you quit smoking, your risk of developing these diseases declines immediately. The longer you go without a cigarette, the lower your risk of stroke or heart disease becomes.
Saves You Money
This one is pretty immediate too! Depending on how much you smoke, you could be spending a lot of money on cigarettes. Why not use that cash on other things you can enjoy? Perhaps you’d like to visit area attractions with your family, or treat your close friends to a nice meal. Perhaps you’d like to save up and take that trip to the other side of the country that you’ve always been dreaming of.
Quit Smoking Today
It’s never too late to quit smoking, and it’s never too late to reap the benefits of quitting smoking either! Even in your golden years, putting down the cigarette can reap a host of benefits, some of them progressive, some of them immediate. You can start small and get the help and encouragement of your family and loved ones to help you out. Take it one step at a time.
