This is the ninth edition of month without tobacco this month of November 2024 in France. A month to quit smoking, supporting each other, and also raising awareness. Although many operations are carried out for young people, quitting smoking is also beneficial for older smokers, especially for those over 50. “There is a life expectancy which is still 30 years”underlines Patrick Dufour, president of the Bas-Rhin committee of the league against cancer. “We have to target on a case-by-case basis.”
Side effects that affect quality of life
In the arguments that hit home after 50 years, we find the side effects that weigh on daily life. “There are vascular problems, impotence problems and a whole bunch of things that can be affected by that, sleep disorders.” Elements that have consequences on quality of life.
In some cases, stopping smoking is imperative. First when surgical procedures are necessary. “It’s quite common with age. There are falls. We know that there are more post-operative complications in a smoker.” It is also extremely important to stop smoking when you have a cardiovascular problem. “There, we know that it gets worse under the influence of tobacco and it doesn’t take 25 or 30 years.” Finally, Professor Dufour evokes a third, lesser-known element. “We know that smoking can lead to small, progressive cognitive disorders. In older people who start to have cognitive disorders, which is quite common with age, this is an argument for quitting smoking.”
Health
