Smoking

Abstract

Smoking is the process by which an individual inhales the smoke of burning tobacco through cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. Smoking can also occur by inhaling vapor infused with nicotine via electronic cigarettes. Individuals who engage in this behavior by inhaling smoke or vapor through the direct source are considered active smokers. Those who breathe in the residual fumes released by active smokers are passive smokers, also called secondhand smokers (Samet 2001; Groner et al. 2011). Smoking behaviors vary across cultures and age cohorts. It has come under much scrutiny over the decades with voluminous amounts of literature documenting its adverse effects. Chronic cigarette smoking is linked to several physical health conditions for the elderly, which impact longevity and quality of life (Samet 2001; Groner et al. 2011; Rezzani and Rodella 2012; Cataldo 2007; Jha et al. 2013). Additionally, this behavior is associated with diminished cognitive capabilities (Durazzo et al. 2010). These welldocumented disadvantages of smoking have paved the way for anti-smoking campaigns highlighting the short-and long-term health benefits of smoking cessation. Prevalence Rates of Older Adult Smokers Current data looking at age cohort tobacco usage show a gradual decline in the prevalence of cigarette smoking across age groups in the United States over the past few decades (US Department of Health and Human Services 1990). Little statistical data is available regarding the number of current older adult smokers. However, past data from the 1999 Surgeon General Report indicated 10.5 % men and 10.7 % women aged 65 and older were current smokers. This statistic has since dropped, and in 2001, the CDC reported approximately 8.8 % of older adults aged 64 and older are smokers. Another research indicates that smoking has declined for this population because of increased smoking cessation but also because of the relatively high mortality rates smokers experience versus never smokers (Burns 2000). However, this number has remained fairly consistent since then. In 2008, the American Lung Association reported