A new study from the University of Michigan reveals that quitting smoking, even at age 70 or older, can add years to a person’s life.
Live at Least a Year Longer
While many believe that the damage from decades of smoking is irreversible, this research shows that giving up smoking in later years can still bring significant health benefits.
The study found that a 75-year-old who quits smoking can gain an average of 0.7 additional years of life. In fact, about one in seven people aged 75 who stop smoking can expect to live at least a year longer, according to El Economista.
The benefits of quitting smoking go beyond just adding years — stopping at any age helps reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and respiratory illnesses, which are leading causes of death among older adults.
The Earlier the Better
Although quitting earlier in life results in a more substantial increase in life expectancy, the advantages remain even for those who quit in their 60s, 70s, and beyond.
For example, a 65-year-old who quits smoking can gain an average of 1.7 more years of life. While the number of additional years may be lower compared to younger adults, the extended lifespan represents a significant proportion of the remaining life expectancy for older adults.
The study’s findings make it clear that it’s never too late to quit smoking. The earlier someone quits, the better, but each cigarette avoided adds valuable time to a person’s life, no matter their age.
