Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2006 , Vol 52 , Num 1

Tobacco Control Among the Elderly

Nazmi Bilir 1
1 Hacettepe Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Halk Sağlığı Anabilim Dalı, Ankara

The health consequences of smoking has long been well-documented in the medical and other relevant literature. Besides its harmful effects on health, social and economic aspects should also be considered. Smoking plays a major role for the diseases such as heart diseases, stroke, chronic lung disorders, lung cancer which are the main causes of morbidity and mortality among the elderly. The risk of developing these health problems show a consistent decrease following quitting; and this reduction is seen also among the elderly when they quit smoking. Therefore, every effort should be done for all the smokers to quit.  Prevention of smoking-related health problems has three main strategies; i.e. prevention of taking the habit, support of smoking people to quit, and protect those who don't smoke from environmental tobacco smoke exposure. Education, legislation and the necessary supportive services are the main ways for the implementation of these strategies. 

Keywords : Tobacco, cigarette, dependency, elderly