Smoking and its effect on mortality of the elderly.

The effects of smoking on the mortality experience of elderly populations are considered by comparing the mortality rates for elderly smokers, ex-smokers and nonsmokers. This question arose since a recent study, using similar data, suggested that there was no health benefit for elderly cigarette smokers who discontinue cigarette smoking. Although ultimately in the latter part of the life-span, the benefit which might be gained by giving up smoking would not increase life-span significantly, the present study shows that for all of the older age groups investigated, a lower mortality from all causes of death is observed for nonsmokers and ex-smokers compared with elderly smokers. Consequently, even though no direct evidence is available, from this or other studies, as to whether it is desirable for elderly smokers to discontinue smoking, because of the general consistency of the data for the younger and older age groups, it seems probable that giving up smoking represents a health benefit for most older smokers.