I'm over 50. At my age, is there any point in quitting smoking?

Yes. No matter what your age or smoking history, you will notice an improvement in your general health if you quit. Perhaps even more important, you will have a lower risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and lung disease than those who continue to smoke. How much your risk decreases depends on several factors, including how long you smoked and how much.

Smokers may have an abnormally high heart rate and blood pressure. Almost immediately after quitting, your heart rate and blood pressure will return to normal. Within a few days of quitting, your sense of taste and smell improves, breathing becomes easier as your lungs clear up, and your energy increases.

What's more, you'll have less coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Your circulation will improve, and you'll find walking easier as your lungs become stronger.

For free one-on-one help with quitting, call the National Cancer Institute's Smoking Quitline at 877-448-7878. Specially trained cessation counselors can provide suggestions and support and send you free materials about quitting.

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