According to the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking is a life-threatening habit that can increase most smokers’ mortality rate by 30%. Smokers are highly liable to long term illnesses such as cancer and other respiratory problems.
For many years, the evils of smoking have been shared with us via TV, Radio, Magazines, Internet, Family, Friends, and the list goes on. The news is so powerful and so commonly heard it had prompted many to seek ways to stop smoking as they age. But quitting this habit is not as simple as a piece of the pie, especially if you have smoked all your life. The situation is complicated for most seniors who have probably smoked for more than two decades; just stopping does not come that easily.
Trying to quit smoking is a bold step to take as you age. Elderlink knows aging makes us vulnerable to certain illnesses and smokers are highly vulnerable way more than non-smokers. Suppose you are above 50 and trying to quit this life-threatening habit, congratulations. Here are six tips to help you as you make an effort to stop once and for all time.
- Avoid triggers
If you want to quit smoking successfully, this should be your first step. You will do well to avoid certain circumstances and people, including friends and family members, that could make you feel the urge to smoke again. You do not have to avoid them forever, but you need to distance yourself for four to six months. You should also avoid locations tagged as your “regular smoking spot” to ensure such memories fade out of your mind gradually.
- Engage in recreational activities for distraction
To enable you to quit smoking, you will need to take your mind off it entirely. If you remember something that helped you in the past, perhaps, when you attempted to quit the habit some time ago, it’s time to reconsider it.
Seniors can also engage in recreational or healthy activities to keep their minds off smoking and fuel their thoughts with other vibes.
- Get all the support you need
Most times, being around a friend of yours or even a family member could be all the motivation you need to quit smoking. Seniors with a strong desire to live longer will do well to protect others, especially their loved ones from the effect of secondhand smoke.
- OTC and Prescription Stop Smoking Medications and tools.
For less than $30.00, you can purchase a pack of Stop Smoking patches or chewable tabs that help tremendously in assisting your desire to stop the smoking habit. You can also speak with your physician; he can give you a prescription for medication that will assist (powerfully and positively) to kick the habit finally
- Snack always
Studies have shown that older adults trying to quit a life-long habit like smoking can quickly unleash their urge to snack. Items you are eating or using now, like almonds, chewing gum, candy, and others, could reduce your chances of smoking a cigarette. So, each time those urge pops up, grab a snack!
- Don’t be afraid to fail
As you try to quit smoking, chances are you may give in most times. But that does not mean you are a failure. It is normal to make mistakes. It shows you are making progress as well. All you must do is be relentless in your effort to quit this life-threatening habit.
If you need more specialized help, don’t hesitate to talk with a health care professional who will be more than happy to help you. Better yet, let Elderlink.org find you a senior living location where smokers are not allowed. Most facilities are no smoking inside, but others allow people to smoke just outside the doors. We know the facilities where cigarette smoking is not permitted indoors or outdoors.
www.Elderlink.org will do it all for you. Let the winners at Elderlink help you to enjoy life by finding the perfect housing for you and all your needs. 800 – 613-5772 .