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Seniors BC

Tobacco Cessation

Promoting Tobacco Cessation

Visit QuitNow.ca

Most smoking-related deaths in B.C. occur in older people. Smoking cessation remains the most effective method of altering the smoking-induced disease risk and leads to an enhanced quality of life. Quitting improves general health and well-being, reduces disability caused by chronic illness and protects against the loss of physical functioning. Studies suggest that long-term tobacco users who give up smoking at age 65 increase their life expectancy by an average of two years.

Since many benefits of tobacco cessation happen shortly after quitting, encouraging and motivating older people to quit can result in short-term health and economic benefits.

Tobacco Cessation Tools and Resources

  • It’s Never Too Late to Quit Smoking is a brochure and detailed web-based resource hosted on the SeniorsBC and ActNow websites. These resources feature Pamela Wray, a B.C. senior who had smoked for over half a century and was 72 years old when she quit. She wanted to inspire others that it is never too late to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Information on smoking cessation, including tips on how to quit, steps to better health and links to further resources can be accessed by visiting ActNow BC.
  • QuitNow, funded by the Ministry of Health and delivered by BC Lung Association, includes www.quitnow.ca, a web-based, fully interactive smoking cessation program, and QuitNow by Phone (1-877-455-2233), a confidential 24/7/365 tobacco quitline staffed by specially trained registered nurses that is available free-of-charge with translation services in 130 languages.
  • Smoke Free Housing in Multi-Unit Dwellings was initiated in partnership with the BC Healthy Living Alliance to decrease tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke in community settings. The Heart and Stroke Foundation is conducting educational forums and working with housing providers to create more smoke-free living spaces. Visit www.smokefreehousingbc.ca for more information.