Tabagisme de la personne âgée

Tobacco addiction is a major problem of public health. The prevalence of smoking gradually decreases in France. With the gradual aging of the population, older smokers are becoming an increasingly important group. In France, around 60,000 people die every year from tobacco-related diseases. One out of three smokers dies prematurely, losing on average 12-17 years of life from their projected normal life expectancy. Approximately 25% of all cancers can be attributed to tobacco. 40% of the deaths by cancer are related to tobacco. Smoking increases the risk of illness as circulatory and respiratory disorders, but also osteoporosis, dementia or macular degeneration… The autonomy and the quality of life of old smokers are significantly decreased. Older smokers tend to underestimate the risks of smoking. Giving up smoking has immediate and long-term benefits even for old smokers. Smokers who give up as late as 65 gain an average of more than two years of additional life expectancy. After a few months, general health and well-being are improved. An estimated 45% of old smokers want to quit. But doctors often forget to advise patients over 65 years to quit smoking. Specific treatments can be used, mainly for smokers with high nicotine addiction. Nicotine replacement therapy is well tolerated, but should be taken with caution in cases of cardiovascular history. Bupropion can also be used with adapted dosage (maximum 150 mg/j). Encouraging older adults to give up smoking by specific promotional campaigns could be useful.